Metis Credible Assertion Advisor

Role Responsibilities

Are you passionate about Indigenous rights, legal research, and shaping policy in a meaningful way? Join a first-of-its-kind program in Canada as a Métis Credible Assertion Advisor, where your expertise will directly influence how the Government of Alberta responds to Métis Section 35 Aboriginal rights. In this high-impact role, you’ll lead complex, multi-phase projects that combine historical, legal, and genealogical research to assess the credibility of Métis organizations’ assertions of Aboriginal rights. You’ll work at the intersection of law, policy, and Indigenous relations, collaborating across ministries, engaging with Métis organizations, and advising decision-makers in a dynamic and evolving legal landscape. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a groundbreaking program that is shaping the future of Indigenous consultation in Alberta.

Lead Complex, Multi-Phase Assertion Reviews
•    Independently lead multi-phase projects involving historical, legal, and genealogical research.
•    Analyze qualitative data to assess the credibility of Section 35 Métis Aboriginal rights assertions.
•    Oversee the work of Metis Credible Advisor Analysts and ensure alignment with project timelines and standards.
•    Develop detailed evidence packages (e.g., family trees, historical linkages) to support recommendations.
•    Maintain and manage confidential records provided by Métis organizations and manage a portfolio of Métis credible assertion files submitted to the Government of Alberta.
•    Utilize genealogical software (e.g., Family Tree Maker) to support research and documentation.
•    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of historical and current legislation. 

Provide Expert Recommendations
•    Present findings and formal recommendations to a cross-ministry roundtable and decision-makers.

•    Act as a subject matter expert, offering guidance on assertion criteria, methodology, and case law.
•    Communicate with Métis organizations to provide feedback, gap analyses, and procedural updates.
•    Facilitate information sessions to build understanding of the assertion process and legal context. 

Monitor Legal and Political Developments
•    Stay current on emerging case law, judicial reviews, and policy changes affecting Métis communities and aboriginal rights.
•    Analyze legal and political impacts on the assertion process and provide strategic insights.
•    Track federal policy shifts and their implications for Alberta’s Metis Credible Advisor program.

Role Responsibilities Continued

Develop and Administer Grant Programs
•    Design and implement grant infrastructure to support Métis organizations participating in the assertion process.
•    Create application and outreach materials in collaboration with ministry partners.
•    Coordinate grant administration and ensure alignment with financial and program objectives.

Support Legal and FOIP Processes
•    Collaborate with Alberta Justice on litigation responses related to assertion decisions.
•    Provide records and analytical support for FOIP requests and legal proceedings.
•    Ensure confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive historical and legal documents.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

⦁    Systems Thinking: Anticipates broader trends, integrates political and organizational context into planning, and aligns actions with strategic goals while addressing barriers to progress.
  
⦁    Creative Problem Solving: Works collaboratively in open teams, encourages creative thinking, brings together the right people to resolve issues, and identifies innovative solutions that benefit the organization.

⦁    Build Collaborative Environments: Effectively engages diverse stakeholders, fosters collaboration, resolves conflict constructively, and motivates others toward shared outcomes.

⦁    Drive for Results: Takes ownership of outcomes, delegates effectively, monitors performance, and aligns actions with the broader public service direction and the best interests of Albertans. 

Qualifications

A University degree in a related field (Indigenous Studies, Public Policy, History, Political Science, Geography, Anthropology, etc.) supplemented by a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible related experience is required.

Equivalency:

Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:
•    1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
•    1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required experience

•   Experience with research analysis and reporting 

Assets 

•  Experience with legal, historical, or genealogical research.
•  Strong understanding of Indigenous rights, legislation, and constitutional frameworks.
•  Experience leading complex, multi-phase projects with strong organizational and planning skills
• Experience related to Indigenous peoples and the impacts on First Nations and Métis peoples in Alberta and Canada; culture, history, community dynamics and protocols.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.  Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Hours of Work:
•    8:15 am to 4:30 pm
•    36.25 hours per week (full-time) Monday to Friday.

Term of Employment:
•    Temporary until September 2026

Location:
•    Edmonton, Alberta

Please note, for all work experience use the following date range format and indicate Full-Time and/or Part-Time experience in your resume:

Ex. [Month, Year – Month, Year]- (PT and/or FT)

Cover letter is Mandatory.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

•    Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
•    Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
•    Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
•    Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
•    Leadership and mentorship programs.