This position is part of Nanaimo Art Gallery’s long term commitment to honouring Indigenous communities and paying respect to the Snuneymuxw territory on which the Gallery sits. In addition to working with Indigenous artists on exhibitions, providing teaching opportunities, and prioritizing Indigenous artists in our permanent collection acquisitions, we work with community groups, Knowledge Holders, Language Champions and Elders to develop programs that stimulate discussion and encourage learning. An important part of this long term commitment is the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator, who will work alongside our passionate team as we realize our goals.

Hours:  Permanent. Up to 30 hours/week.

Candidates will ideally work between 15 to 30 hours a week, and initial discussions will explore what the work week looks like for you. You have the ability to negotiate your contract to suit the needs of your body and lifestyle and to accommodate your capacity. Hours could include time spent working from home. Some evenings and weekends required for special events; flex time available.

Closing Date: February 17, 2023 or until filled

Anticipated Start Date: We would like to enable the successful candidate to start as early as March 28, 2023. 

The Opportunity

The Indigenous Engagement Coordinator shares the Nanaimo Art Gallery team’s values and is responsible for incorporating Indigenous perspectives for inclusive, respectful, and effective engagement. With our goal of strengthening community connections in mind, the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator is encouraged to shape the position, drawing on their interests and experiences.

About Nanaimo Art Gallery

Located on the lands of the Snuneymuxw, in the heart of downtown Nanaimo, Nanaimo Art Gallery is an dynamic public art gallery that inspires and engages its communities through art. We honour the Snuneymuxw people and the territory on which the Gallery operates, carrying ourselves with qwum qwum uy’shqwalawun: operating in the spirit of “good heart, good mind.” 

With this intention, Nanaimo Art Gallery’s values are:

• Relevance: our work is grounded in community and place
• Relationships: we believe in building, nurturing and sustaining relationships
• Innovation: we are at the forefront of creativity with quality programs and exhibitions 
• Openness: we are a welcoming organization for all

Profile of the Candidate

You are a thoughtful, passionate, and dedicated individual who is excited to share your cultural and personal perspectives and ideas to help us connect with community and create a more inclusive Nanaimo Art Gallery. On a daily basis you will work closely with your colleagues as a key member of a supportive team in which all voices are heard. 

Drawing on your experiences, you will work with our team to encourage sharing and learning from diverse voices including Indigenous artists and communities, through our exhibitions, programming and community outreach. 

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The Indigenous Engagement Coordinator makes this position their own, bringing their unique ideas, passions and experiences to the role. With support from the Gallery team, responsibilities will include, but may not be limited to:

• Stewarding existing relationships and cultivating new relationships and partnerships, that include the host nation, Elders, language champions, artists, and knowledge keepers
• Engaging in partnerships with Indigenous stakeholders to inform our policies, exhibitions and programs
• Developing and implementing outreach strategies and encouraging collaborations with Indigenous groups and other diverse community groups
• Developing and assisting with funding applications to support new initiatives related to Indigenous engagement
• Walking alongside the organization as we continue to address issues of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the organization
• Supporting educational programming and exhibition development, especially Indigenous artists and content
• Supporting ongoing internal and external cultural sensitivity and safety training
• Supporting work acknowledging territory in new ways and meaningful ways and continue our work supporting hul’q’umi’num learning
• Centralizing the protocols and procedures relating to Indigenous communities and diversity
• Staying attuned to evolving practices within the arts and culture sector

• Recommending strategies to move the Gallery forward

Requirements (Qualifications, Knowledge, Education and Skills)

• First hand knowledge of the protocols and procedures to develop relationships with Indigenous Elders, leaders and knowledge keepers
• Skilled at building and maintaining relationships and partnerships with Indigenous artists, community groups, organizations and stakeholders
• Passion for art and culture
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Exceptional interpersonal skills
• Ability to facilitate matters of cultural protocol and cultural safety 
• Can demonstrate a strong understanding of the local context 
• Desire to contribute to and collaborate with a creative team
• Confident and clear communicator with strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to think critically, employ sound judgment, evaluate situations and engage appropriate parties at varying levels to arrive at solutions.
• Ability to successfully organize, prioritize and complete multiple planned and unplanned projects
• Proficiency in common communication tools (MS Office, Google Suite, Zoom, etc) 
• 3-5 years related experience

Nanaimo Art Gallery hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community.