Huu-ay-aht First Nations (HFN), (huuayaht.org) is a self-governing, modern treaty Nation whose lands are located in the Barclay Sound region on the west coast of Vancouver Island at the entrance to the Port Alberni inlet.  The lands and waters making up our traditional territories (Ha-houlthee) have been occupied by us since time immemorial. Today, Huu-ay-aht citizens number close to 750 and primarily reside around the village of Anacla, the Nation’s principal community close to Bamfield, as well as Port Alberni, the closest population center.  The balance of our citizens lives across Vancouver Island, in the Vancouver area, and beyond. Huu-ay-aht First Nations is a member of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and one of the 5 First Nations signatories to the Maa-nulth Final Agreement, the first modern-day treaty to be concluded on Vancouver Island.  The treaty came into effect on April 1st, 2011, when the five Maa-nulth First Nations’ laws came into effect, marking a new era of ownership and self-government. Today, our Nation operates under a “made in Huu-ay-aht” Constitution, which supports the laws and policies that establish how the Huu-ay-aht government makes decisions on behalf of its citizens. As a result of the Treaty, the Huu-ay-aht First Nations has full ownership and jurisdiction over more than 8,200 hectares of land within their territories and continue to have rights throughout our Ha-houlthee (traditional territories). With full control over these undisputed lands owned in fee simple, our Nation is able to govern the lands under our own laws. Seeking to leverage this strength, HFN Council and Hereditary Chiefs (Ha’wiih) have been actively seeking opportunities to engage in responsible and sustainable economic development in order to forward the HFN vision of working together to establish a healthy, prosperous, and self-sustaining community.  Maintaining their historic role as caretakers of the lands, waters, and resources of their Ha-houlthee, the Huu-ay-aht Ha’wiih work closely with Elected Council to ensure that all development considerations are informed and guided by the long-held principles of iisaak (respect), uu-a-thluk (taking care of), and hishuk tsa’wak (everything is connected).  Furthermore, Huu-ay-aht citizens themselves contribute to the governance of the Nation through regular People’s Assemblies, which employ a “direct democracy” model. Building on a rich history, Huu-ay-aht First Nations is working to build a bright future for generations to come. Progressive, responsible and productive fully describe the Huu-ay-aht First Nation. Recognizing the importance a strong legal and administrative services department plays in a progressive and well managed business operation, they are looking to attract an accomplished Deputy Clerk and Manager of Administrative Services.

As a key member of the management team as Deputy Clerk you will participate in the administration of HFN elections, specifically in preparation or distribution of ballots, appointments or training of election officers, as well as tabulation or certification of election results.  You will record and edit meeting minutes and distribute to appropriate officials or staff members as well as issue public notification of all official activities.  You will be responsible for the preparation of meeting agendas and related information and prepare ordinances, resolutions, or proclamations so that they can be executed, recorded, archived, or distributed. In addition you will respond to requests for information from the public, other municipalities, government officials, or provincial and federal legislative offices and serve as commissioner of oaths.  In your administrative capacity, you will plan and direct the maintenance, filing, safekeeping, and computerization of all HFN documents. You will coordinate and maintain office tracking systems for correspondence or follow-up actions and perform budgeting duties, such as assisting in budget preparation, expenditure review, or budget administration.  Additionally you will collaborate and manage your dedicated team and assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, or priorities.

As the ideal candidate you will have a post-secondary degree in public or business administration coupled with 5 years’ experience in corporate, government, or board administration, ideally in a First Nations government environment. Experience could include having been in a similar role within a municipal setting.  You easily build rapport with staff and use a participative approach within a team environment and have excellent supervisory and performance management skills.  You are known as a problem solver with excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills.  Politically astute, you promote a performance-focused environment in alignment with the HFN’s values, culture and business goals.

This is a unique opportunity to become part of the vibrant future of the Huu-ay-aht First Nation. Are you are self-motivated, enjoy both responsibility and accountability and ready for the challenges facing this well respected organization? Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume in confidence quoting project # HFN Deputy Clerk to: Grant Smith CHRP.