Cultural Advisor [Canada]

 

Mission for this Position:

About Us

At Baffinland, we work and live beyond the Arctic Circle, mining iron ore at our Mary River Property, located in the Qikiqtani Region of Nunavut on Baffin Island; one of the world’s most captivating and seldom seen destinations. We are a unique company with a strong management who have amassed specialty experience on northern mining projects through all phases of Inuit consultation, permitting, construction and operation. Our workforce brings together the modern practice of safe, sustainable mining and the enduring value of a traditional culture, which is rapidly advancing. The result is a work and community experience you won't find anywhere else. We are looking for people ready to share, build, and grow with our company.

Reporting to the Superintendent, Human Resources & Labour Relations, the Cultural Advisors works directly with both Inuit and non-Inuit employees and act as a key support, mentor and a point of contact for bridging gaps on variety of employment or personal issues on site involving Inuit employees. By partnering with representatives from Baffinland and the contractors at site, the Cultural Advisors play a key leadership role in fostering a site culture that promotes a commitment to safety, excellence, diversity, workplace harmony, growth and development.

By leveraging expertise, the Cultural Advisors will identify opportunities to assimilate the Inuit Societal Values for the mutual benefit of the Inuit and Baffinland:

• Inuuqatigiitsiarniq - Respecting others, relationships and caring for people
• Pijitsirniq - Serving and providing for family and/or community
• Pilimmaksarniq/ Pijariuqsarniq - Development of skills through observation, mentoring, practice, and effort.
• Piliriqatigiinniq/ Ikajuqtigiinniq - Working together for a common cause
• Tunnganarniq - Fostering good spirits by being open, welcoming and inclusive
• Aajiiqatigiinniq - Decision making through discussion and consensus
• Qanuqtuurniq - Being innovative and resourceful.
• Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq - Respect and care for the land, animals and the environment

This is a site based role on a 3 week in and 3 week out rotation.

Main Accountabilities:

Key functions include leading, planning and managing Baffinland’s site-based Inuit Societal Value Events, assisting with the administration of the (Inuit) Employee Concerns Policy, act as a key support and resource for employees and contractors. This includes but is not limited to:

• 
  Identifying, planning and executing Inuit Societal Value Events at the mine and port sites. Facilitate the sharing of cultural identity and values among workers that will bring together both Inuit and non-Inuit

• Provide support for workers. Research and compile information on support available to workers while onsite and in the communities; provide recommendations to employees and contractors regarding support resources and follow-up as appropriate
• Celebrate Inuit culture by sharing country food, providing presentations on Inuit history, traditions, skills (e.g. carving, Inuit tools, crafts and sewing)
• Plan and lead the logistics associated with implementing a program at the mine and port sites for Inuit workers to showcase, display and sell their crafts
• Prepare rotational reports to summarize programs, events and referral support provided

Assist with resolving workplace issues impacting Inuit employees and contractors.

• Actively participate in meetings to discuss issues and concerns; assist with brainstorming to identify workable alternatives to help resolve issues
• Ensure Inuit employees and contractors understand identified issues and concerns; act as a translator when and if required; provide counseling and guidance to employees and contractors about working at site
• Provide support to management as and when required

Work with the HR Advisor – Inuit Relations to provide consultative support and guidance to Inuit employees, front- line supervisors, members of the HR/LR team, and other stakeholders with:

• 
  Onboarding: Assist with onboarding for new or returning Inuit employees. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with Baffinland Community Liaison Officers and HR Advisor – Inuit Relations to ensure Inuit employees and their dependents have access to a comprehensive support network.
• Training and career development: Partner with the HR Advisor – Inuit Relations, Inuit Success team to assist front-line supervisors to help document the short and longer term interests and aspirations of employees. Identify issues and challenges and ensure they are actively managed and reported on.
• Reporting: Compile information and assist with the preparation of reports and information for internal and external use. This includes but is not limited to assisting with IIBA reporting.

Lead and facilitate training relating to Inuit culture and diversity.

Be a courageous safety leader, mentor and role model for Inuit employees; identify opportunities for improvement and prepare recommendations to help manage/address/resolve issues, challenges and misunderstandings

Main Qualifications:

• Fluency in Inuktitut and English - Written and Spoken
• Knowledge of Inuit Culture and Inuit communities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• 3-5 yeas of living in Nunavut and an in-depth knowledge and experience of Inuit history and culture.
• Demonstrated ability to demonstrate traditional crafting and
  building techniques, and prepare/cook traditional country food, etc.
  
• Experience that includes counseling, community support and or teaching. Formal training as a counsellor using the Inuit approach is preferred
• High School Diploma

 

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