MPI is dedicated to building respectful relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities. We recognize the importance of truth and reconciliation and are committed to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The Indigenous Relations Lead is one step in supporting those commitments. 

The Indigenous Relations Lead will be responsible for guiding the Corporation in building relationships and consulting on matters of interest to Indigenous peoples and their communities as it relates to the products and services provided by Manitoba Public Insurance. The position will assist in leading respectful and productive consultation and actively listening to the concerns of Indigenous people across our province. You will establish, enhance and maintain positive relationships with Indigenous communities and organizations. These relationships, supported by ongoing consultation, will allow us to better support products and services by addressing existing concerns with initiatives and programs.

The Indigenous Relations Lead will also be accountable for working across the corporation to develop and evaluate products and services with the objective of ensuring that all Manitobans receive professional, effective, consistent services. You will provide corporate leadership for the development and implementation of an Indigenous Action Plan.

As part of our commitment to employment equity and the advancement of Indigenous representation within our workforce, this position is designated for First Nations, Métis, or Inuit peoples. Applicants must self-identify as Indigenous to be considered for this role.

• Provides advice and recommendations to the Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer and Executive/Senior Leadership across the Corporation on policy, product, and services related to Indigenous peoples and communities, and acts as a lead for Indigenous relations matters.
• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of Indigenous policies, programs and standards and leads major initiatives to increase operational effectiveness of Indigenous relations for the Corporation.
• Educates the Corporation on protocols with Indigenous organizations to guide engagement with Indigenous people and communities, recognizing the unique culture and heritage of Indigenous peoples in Canada and Manitoba.
• Identifies, documents and communicates developments that may impact the corporations plans as they relate to commitments to advance truth and reconciliation.
• Working with the Communications team, develops a range of written materials for both internal stakeholders and public consumption, including correspondence and authority seeking documents.
• Provides relevant, well-researched advice, updated information and support to the Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer and the executive / senior leadership team across the corporation.
• Leads the creation of the Indigenous Action Plan, in support of Truth and Reconciliation, translating direction into actionable items and decisions, ensuring alignment with the Corporations broader mission and priorities.
• Leads respectful and productive consultation and actively listens to the concerns of Indigenous people across Manitoba
• Provides a direct connection between, and in consultation with, Indigenous organizations and other stakeholders to establish a conduit between Indigenous communities and the Corporation
• Co-Chairs the Corporations Internal Indigenous Advisory Council and any external working groups established.
• Addressing the effects of Colonization on the peoples of Manitoba by assessing the efficacy of existing programs as they relate to Indigenous Awareness of culture, spirituality and world views and developing and delivering new programs meant to address any gaps identified.
• Assists the Corporation with the implementation of the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, recommendations the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (Justice) Calls to Action, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Calls for Justice. Assist the Corporation with the implementation of any other future or relevant reports or recommendations as it pertains to Indigenous peoples.

• Degree/Certificate in Indigenous Studies, Social Sciences, or Human Resources. An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered.
• Related experience in the following:
  • Planning, developing, implementing and assessing policies, legislation and programs with Indigenous communities, organizations and peoples aimed at improving the lives of Manitoba’s Indigenous peoples.
  • Building relationships with First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities/peoples and implementing the principles of truth and reconciliation.
  • Translating strategic priorities into clear operational and business plans, and experience with strategic performance management and measurement systems (e.g. Key Performance Indicators, Balanced Scorecards).
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous histories, cultures and perspectives with the ability to identify and correlate current issues and events, and their importance for reconciliation with Manitoba’s Indigenous peoples
• Knowledge of concepts respecting to create strategic action plans and implement those plans at a service delivery level.
• Strong political acumen to represent the corporation on inter-agency committees.
• Lead with a commitment to create, support and sustain a diverse environment that enables staff to achieve results and to develop for the future.
• Leverages opportunities for innovation, finds creative solutions to issues, and successfully manages change.
• Must be willing and able to travel throughout the province.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to provide a clear Child & Adult Registry Check.

Health benefits

We offer a comprehensive health benefits program that includes:

• flexible health, dental and vision plans
• health spending account
• travel health coverage
• other extended health benefits such as ambulance, massage and physiotherapy

Financial security

In an effort to support financial security, we offer:

• registered pension plan
• group, dependent, and optional life insurance coverage
• critical illness insurance
• sick leave to cover short-term disability
• long-term disability

Wellness

We offer programs that focus on how to better achieve a balance between work and personal commitments, as well as maintain a healthy workplace culture. This includes:

• vacation entitlement
• flexible work arrangement for eligible positions
• maternity, parental and adoptive leaves
• bereavement and family responsibility leaves
• employee and family assistance program
• mental-health programming
• lunch-and-learn offerings
• discounted gym memberships and wellness account

Diversity and inclusion

Manitoba Public Insurance believes that diversity and inclusion strengthens us. We consider ourselves to be a barrier-free organization where individual values, beliefs and practices are respected and appreciated for the diversity they bring to our work life.

Employee recognition

It’s important to recognize our employees for their contributions. Not only do we recognize employees as they achieve milestone years in their careers, we also have several outlets for leaders and peers to reward each other for work well done.

Professional development

We want our employees to grow, which is why we offer support in keeping their skills up-to-date. We offer in-house training, professional development and an educational assistance program.

Safety and health

In an effort to encourage a safe and healthy work environment, we offer various safety, health and workplace policies and programs along with technical expertise and assistance to support employee activities in safety and health.