Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik Society is growing our team! 

Join our dynamic and dedicated team as we continue to develop capacity within the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and greater unceded Algonquin territory. With our Child Well-being law, Nigig Nibi Ki-win, now fully in force, the community embraces a step in reconciliation by reclaiming jurisdiction over the safety and well-being of our children, youth and families.

We’re looking for the right people to grow with the organization. Are you interested?

Learn more about Nigig: https://www.nigignibi.com/about/nigig-nibi-ki-win

SUMMARY

The Director of Circle and Tribunal Administration position works in coordination with all service area staff in the collection of required information to initiate the planning of circles and/or tribunals. They also work closely with external resources and stakeholders to Nigig who may be involved in the decision-making mechanisms offered under Nigig Nibi Ki-win (family circles, healing circles, and tribunals).

The Director of Circle and Tribunal Administration’s role will be to fully develop the protocols and mechanisms that support the smooth facilitation of Family circles, healing circles, and tribunals. This requires that they create and review policy for the decision-making process, as well as maintain active rosters of Circle facilitators and Tribunal members. They will support the development, and facilitation, of the necessary training both for facilitators and Nigig staff and will ensure everyone involved is fully aware of the process and what’s involved at each stage of decision-making. The Director is also ultimately responsible for ensuring that appropriate communication is provided to clients and their families that supports the understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

The Director will engage in outreach locally to Pikwakanagan, within Kidakìnàng, and external to traditional territory to ensure decision-making protocols are accessible to all who fall under the jurisdiction of Nigig Nibi Ki-win. The role ensures all legal requirements are met, for overall accountability, as well as for the benefit of those involved, including accurate documentation and appropriate communication of any resulting decisions.

This position will function within legislative requirements, regulations, policies and procedures, and the vision, mission and values of Nigig Gamik, and the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.

The Director will oversee the roles of Circle and Tribunal Coordinator and Circle and Tribunal Clerk, providing direct supervision and guidance.

This is a full-time position with a hybrid working model. The hybrid model supports the requirement to work on-site as may be needed in the planning of tribunals/circles, connection to teams, and supervision of staff. The role requires the employee to operate under tight deadlines with competing priorities, while maintaining a high degree of attention to details and quality of service.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. General

• Follow the Seven Grandfather teachings as they relate to Nigig Gamik and its vision, mission and values.
• Be exceptionally familiar with the child and family well-being law of Pikwakanagan, Nigig Nibi Ki-win, acting in accordance with this in all activities, including development and operations.
• Be exceptionally familiar with the Family and Healing Circle regulations and Grandparent Tribunal regulations, acting in strict accordance with this in all development and operations.
• Ensure circle and tribunal practices uphold the principles, values, and procedural requirements established through Algonquin law, relational accountability, and family-led decision-making.
• Attend and participate in Algonquin Anishinaabe cultural training and/or activities provided by Nigig and/or Pikwakanagan as able in the administration of their role.
• Engage in learning and incorporating Anishinaabemowin.

    2.  Development & Quality Assurance

• Develops, implements and refines operational policies, templates, and procedural frameworks.
• Participates in the review of regulations, making recommendations.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of training for circle facilitators, tribunal members and staff, related to tribunal procedures, circle facilitation, cultural safety, and relational practice.
• Responsible for the training of new staff in appropriate policy and/or protocols within these functions.
• Responsible for the creations of internal standard operating procedures.
• Actively participates in the creation of role(s) in context to circles and tribunals.
• Responsible for the streamlining of processes within this area.
• Develops reports and summaries to support quality assurance measures to relevant parties and assure overall accountability.
• Develops and implements tools to ensure accurate documentation and timely service.
• Monitors administrative outcomes, identifies systemic gaps or risks, and recommends improvements to circle and tribunal operations.

3. Leadership and Advocacy

• Consults with legal counsel, Executive Director and leadership as may be necessary.
• Represents the organization in meetings, working groups, and community forums related to decision making and dispute resolution processes under Nigig Nibi-Ki-win.
• Supports outreach and education for Eji tibenindàgwazidjig Anishinàbeg Pikwàkanagàning, external resources, and the public with respect to the decision-making process under Nigig Nibi-ki-win.
• Ensuring Eji tibenindàgwazidjig Anishinàbeg Pikwàkanagàning are aware of their inherent rights.
• Serves as the in-house expert on all aspects of circles and tribunals as outlined under the law and its regulations.

    4.  Supervision

• Provides guidance, direction and training to staff with respect to the decision-making process.
• Provides overall leadership and direction for staff within this area, including employee oversight in all areas related to employment (attendance, leave management, performance management, etc.).

    5. Relational Practice

• Ensures all practices align with the Seven Grandfather Teachings, relational accountability principles, and the values embedded within Nigig Nibi Ki-win.
• Promotes approaches that emphasize healing, restoration, prevention, family preservation, and community connection whenever possible.
• Supports culturally safe environments that recognize the impacts of intergenerational trauma, colonization, and systemic barriers affecting Indigenous children and families.
• Coordinates collaboration between Elders, traditional Knowledge Keepers, Grandparents and cultural advisors to strengthen culturally grounded dispute resolution and decision-making practices.

    6. Community Support

• Assist Nigig Gamik in connecting with Anishinaabe Elders, knowledge keepers and other resources both in Pikwakanagan and other First Nations to support the function of active circles and tribunal roles.
• Recruits and maintains a list of qualified circle facilitators and a roster of tribunal members.
• Communicates with Eji tibenindàgwazidjig Anishinàbeg Pikwàkanagàning, sharing and promoting accurate information on the purpose and process of circles and tribunals, as outlined in the law.
• Promote community trust and confidence in circle and tribunal processes through transparency, fairness, consistency, and relational integrity.

7. Administrative

• Ensures circle and tribunal operations comply with Nigig Nibi Ki-win, Family and Healing Circles regulation, Grandparents Tribunal regulation, internal policies, privacy obligations, and procedural standards.
• Maintain accurate and secure records related to Circles and Tribunal sittings, recommendations, decisions, and outcomes in accordance with data governance and confidentiality protocols.
• Monitor timelines and ensure procedural requirements are met for circles, sittings, notices, and decision processes.
• Initiates and participates in ongoing training and education, ensuring the application of new skills into practice.
• Facilitation of all administrative and office-related functions pertinent to this team.
• Navigates all computer systems and software related to the work and to the smooth facilitation of processes involving clients with a high degree of efficiency.
• Coordinate all parties involved in either circles and/or tribunals as required in the absence of the Coordinator/Clerk.

8. Risk Management

• Identify and respond to operational, procedural, cultural, and relational risks within Circle and Tribunal processes.
• Ensure measures are in place for ethical decision-making, impartiality, confidentiality, and procedural fairness are maintained throughout all decision-making processes.
• Promotes the inclusion of traditional conflict resolution methods and cultural protocols to promote harmony and reconciliation during the facilitation of tribunals/circles.
• Preparing staff, circle facilitators, and tribunal members to respond to crisis and de-escalation where high-conflict or difficult situations arise.

9. Other

• Performs other duties as may be required and related to the parameters of decision-making processes.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed for Nigig on a full-time basis, although hours may vary from week to week to accommodate the facilitation of circles and tribunals as may be necessary, and to accommodate heavier workflow periods. Work involves contact with clients, families, community membership, Elders, facilitators and additional internal and external resources and stakeholders. Work involves handling and working with issues of a very sensitive and confidential nature.  Work involves travel and working a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends. Work may involve standing, sitting and/or driving for long periods of time.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Basic Requirements:

• Be a recognized member of Pikwakanagan/Algonquin community.
• 1-2 years of experience working with alternative mechanisms for dispute resolution and decision making. Related certifications would be considered an asset.
• At minimum has an understanding of Nigig Nibi Ki-win, Family and Healing Circles regulation, and Grandparents Tribunal regulation as available on our website.
• Possess a demonstrated understanding of the social work field, particularly with respect to child well-being.
• Have 3-5 years of experience in a management and/or development role or demonstrated progressive experience in a related area.
• Have an understanding of the current challenges faced by Eji tibenindàgwazidjig Anishinàbeg Pikwàkanagàning.
• Being certified in First Aid and CPR is preferred, willingness to obtain is required.
• Possesses a class “G” driver’s licence; clear driver’s abstract and access to a dependable vehicle.
• Provide a clear Police Record Check including a Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Experience working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis (FNIM) people in a community-based setting would be considered an asset.

    2. Rated Requirements:

Knowledge

• Indigenous knowledge, in particular, knowledge of Algonquin child and family values, traditions, and practices.
• Knowledge of traditional restorative practices.
• Knowledge of Child Welfare legislation, mandates, standards of practice, policies, and procedures such as the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, Bill C-92, Jordan’s Principle, PMSS, Customary Care, etc.
• Knowledge of local, regional, and provincial Indigenous and non-Indigenous services.

Abilities

• Develop and implement policy(ies) and protocols.

• Coordination and planning of people and events.
• Develop education and training material for staff and facilitators in the purpose and delivery of delivery of circles and tribunals.
• Develop and structure protocols that can be operationalized and delivered effectively and that remain grounded in the culture, tradition, and practices of the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation.
• Develop and maintain professional networks locally and across the province.
• Proficiency in the use of computers and various software

Personal Suitability

• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to organize people and manage workflow.
• Ability to problem-solve and resolve conflicts.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team environment.
• Tact, discretion, and a professional level of confidentiality.
• Self-motivated, reliable, thorough, and proactive.
• Sensitive to Indigenous culture and values.

 Conditions of Employment

• Criminal Reference Check and Vulnerable Sector Check to be provided on application and on request.
• Proof of a class “G” driver’s licence; clear driver’s abstract and access to a dependable vehicle. This position requires traveling regularly.
• 3-5 years of experience in a management and/or development role or demonstrated progressive experience in a related area.
• 1-2 years of experience working with alternative mechanisms for dispute resolution and decision making.

Accommodation is available upon request for applicants at all stages of the recruitment and selection process. For confidential requests, contact [email protected]

 PREFERENCE IN HIRING:

Nigig promotes equal employment opportunities for all applicants. Persons who identify as Indigenous will be given preference as this role serves the needs of members of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation. Provided the candidate meets the basic requirements of the position and is deemed qualified following the interview process, preference will be given to a) the qualified Indigenous person who is a member of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation; then to, b) the qualified Indigenous person; then to, c) the qualified non-Indigenous candidate.

WE OFFER:

• Competitive Salary
• Employment benefits & pension plan
• Paid sick, vacation and special day leave
• 14 Provincial and Federal Statutory Holidays

Please submit your cover letter and resume to: [email protected]

Contact Information

Nigig Nibi Ki-win Gamik Society

1467 Mishomis Inamo,

Pikwakanagan, Ontario

Email: [email protected]