Indigenous Relations Engagement Lead - Northwest BC

TC Energy•Remote Work British Columbia, BC

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

TC Energy is seeking an experienced Indigenous Relations (IR) Engagement Lead to join our dynamic team in Northwest, BC! Reporting to the Team Lead, Indigenous Relations (BC), you will lead engagement initiatives with Indigenous groups and be accountable for establishing and maintaining effective working relationships in Northwest British Columbia. You will be part of our externally facing team focused on building and maintaining strong relationships with Indigenous communities while delivering on TC Energy’s business objectives. You will work collaboratively across different business units and all leadership levels within the company. Effective Indigenous participation and engagement is a key component of TC Energy's approach to Indigenous Relations. This is a critical role in supporting our IR strategies and initiatives and will require significant travel to remote locations within Northwest, BC. This role requires a nuanced understanding of the unique governance, cultural, and historical context of the Wet’suwet’en Peoples.

Requirements

Relevant post-secondary education is required, a bachelor’s degree or higher is preferred
A minimum of 6 years of experience in Indigenous Relations, Environment, Archaeology, Anthropology, Law, Community Development, Stakeholder Engagement, Land, or Government Relations
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
Have and maintain a valid driver's license and provide a driver's abstract (record) for review
Travel within Canada as required by the business

Nice To Haves

Experience working directly with Wet’suwet’en communities or within similar governance and cultural contexts in British Columbia
Foundational understanding of Wet’suwet’en governance, history, and title and rights context, including the distinction between hereditary and elected leadership, with knowledge of Yintah, House/Clan structures, and appropriate protocols for engagement with Hereditary Chiefs
Knowledge of federal and provincial regulatory processes and consultation guidelines, particularly those related to the energy industry in Canada
Experience developing strategic relationships and partnerships
Experience navigating complex and high-profile Indigenous relations environments with overlapping governance perspectives
Active listening skills and the ability to engage respectfully in complex, sensitive, and evolving discussions
Ability to navigate differing community perspectives with neutrality, respect, and professionalism
Demonstrated patience and adaptability when working within community-driven timelines and processes
Previous experience and strong business acumen in the energy industry
Direct experience and in-depth knowledge of Indigenous Relations, including engaging with Indigenous groups to navigate complex and sometimes contentious issues and identify opportunities for mutual benefit
Advanced verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to develop high-quality briefing materials, memos, and business cases that integrate Indigenous Relations considerations and effectively present to diverse audiences
Flexible and able to adapt to a fluid travel schedule
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong respectful relationships with a variety of groups, from the grassroots to senior levels, both internally and externally
Excellent problem-solving abilities and the ability to find creative solutions to complex problems
Experienced in using Monday.com and CRM computer software

Responsibilities

Lead and manage relationships with Indigenous groups, fostering support for TC Energy and its projects and operations through early and honest communication
Lead the implementation of project engagement plans and contribute to the development and refinement of project execution plans in alignment with the Company’s IR Policy and Strategy
Prepare and maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation, including briefing notes, memos, engagement summaries, and business cases to support decision-making and ensure alignment across internal stakeholders
Provide issues management support and problem-solving within the team and across the business to ensure priorities are achieved and issues are escalated and addressed in a timely and effective manner
Provide strategic support and guidance to the team and other internal groups to ensure the needs, interests, and priorities of Indigenous communities are understood and considered in TC Energy projects and operations
Represent the company in both Indigenous communities and public settings in a professional and skillful manner
Collaborate with IR team members and business units to prioritize and manage business objectives, opportunities, and risks
Ensure consistent, timely communication and engagement internally and externally, including the preparation of high-quality written materials and documentation, while driving deliverables and team performance.
Participate in negotiations and senior-level discussions with Indigenous communities
Demonstrate culturally informed engagement practices specific to Wet’suwet’en governance systems, including Hereditary leadership structures, clan systems, and House Groups building trust through respectful and protocol-driven interactions
Navigate the complexities of representing TC Energy while respecting Wet’suwet’en decision-making processes, balancing community protocols, regulatory requirements, and business objectives in a high-profile and sensitive engagement environment