The Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council (I•SPARC) is a provincial organization established for the purpose of improving the health outcomes of Indigenous people by supporting and encouraging physically active individuals, families, and communities. The programs and services delivered by I•SPARC are designed to build capacity and increase access to sport, recreation, and physical activity in First Nations, Aboriginal Friendship Centres, Métis Chartered Communities, schools, and other delivery agencies throughout British Columbia.  

Introduction to the Food Systems Program  

As part of the I•SPARC's Healthy Living programming, the Food Systems Program (FSP) supports Indigenous communities in reaching their food security and food sovereignty goals. The FSP distributes grants and provides support with capacity building, technical training, networking, and cultural sharing through in-person gatherings, online education/events, and resource sharing. I•SPARC is committed to being inclusive of all aspects of food relations while offering a low-barrier, community-led approach. Building on over 15 years of momentum, I•SPARC has led the delivery of the FSP since 2022, funded in partnership with the First Nations Health Authority.  

General Description  

The Provincial Coordinator, Engagement, Food Systems Program, is primarily responsible for identifying and supporting the realization of in-person and online gatherings, events, training and knowledge-sharing opportunities for participating communities. The position will report to the Manager, Food Systems Program, and will work closely with the Provincial Coordinator, Food Systems Program and the Executive Director of Healthy Living to ensure program success for all communities involved. The work will be approached through an Indigenous lens and continue to support evolution of the program in terms of services offered, program partnerships, scope of community engagement, and the range of communities involved in the longer term.  

 The FSP has entered a vibrant new chapter of Indigenous-led delivery and community connection. Community-level connections through granting, gatherings, and partnerships will continue to evolve— embracing traditional foods, unique cultural knowledge, mental, physical, and spiritual health and well-being, as well as educational opportunities for knowledge sharing and community collaboration.  

Key Responsibilities  

• Drawing on input from communities, organize a provincial/regional gatherings, online events, workshops and resource exchange for FSP members;  
• Work with communities to implement opportunities for networking, collaboration, and knowledge- sharing on food and health;  
• Draw on traditional food specialists and Knowledge Holders to ground and guide the work;  
• Work with communities to identify points of convergence within each community and coordinate any related activities to support strengthened food networks; 
• Represent FSP and act as secondary point of contact for any external community or Advisory Committee engagement;  
• Assist the leadership team with compiling and preparing any program-related reports;  
• Manage and support evaluation and tracking mechanisms related to engagement activities;  
• Support liaison with other I•SPARC programs to identify ways to link engagement opportunities;  
• Event planning, logistics, and administration; and,  
• Creation of promotional and engagement materials and social media management.  

Education and Knowledge  

• Degree or equivalent in Indigenous Health, Land and Food Systems, Indigenous Studies, Food and Resource Economics or related combined with three (3) or more years’ experience in the provision of program leadership; OR,    
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered; and   
• A minimum of three (3) years or more of experience establishing collaborative relationships with community leaders, elders, and senior management teams;   
• A lived understanding and/or experience with Indigenous communities, history, values and culture;  
• Knowledge and understanding of social determinants of health and its connections to Indigenous health and food systems, cultures and backgrounds;  
• Has led work that honours, respects, and supports the self-determination of Indigenous communities; and,  
• Has successfully completed a criminal and vulnerable sector records check.  

Term:  March 15th, 2026 - March 31st, 2027. Full-time, with the possibility of renewing a one-year term on an annual basis, pending funding.  

Salary:  The salary range is $57,000-$62,000 annually, which includes a comprehensive benefits package.  

Location:  The role offers the flexibility of remote work or the establishment of a local office space within British Columbia, based on the successful candidate’s location. The ability to travel throughout BC for events and forums is required.  
  

Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified applicants of Indigenous ancestry