Co-op Student, Indigenous Relations

Overview

The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) is currently seeking an energetic and collaborative individual to join our team as an Indigenous Relations Co-op Student in the Office of the Registrar, working with the Indigenous Relations Group (IRG). This group is focusing on building and strengthening relations between the OEB and Indigenous communities through direct engagement, enabling participation in the OEB’s regulatory processes, as well as providing strategic guidance to key stakeholders in Ontario’s energy sector regarding Indigenous engagement and consultation.

The IRG provides cross-functional, OEB-wide support and leadership on Indigenous relations. The IRG leads and supports the development and implementation of initiatives to build and strengthen relationships between the OEB and Indigenous communities impacted by OEB’s scope of work. To fulfill this mandate, the Group has both an internal and external focus. Internally, the Group participates in regulatory proceedings and offers guidance to OEB staff and Commissioners on engagement strategies, process innovation and policy direction. Externally, the Group works directly with Indigenous communities to facilitate greater understanding of the OEB’s mandate and regulatory processes, and to identify opportunities for participation and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Manager, Indigenous Relations, this is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with the independent provincial regulator of Ontario’s electricity and natural gas sectors.
• You will have the opportunity to support a range of important initiatives being undertaken by the OEB related to Indigenous relations. These include:

• providing support for new initiatives related to Indigenous engagements, such as in-community Oral Indigenous Knowledge gathering sessions.
• assisting with direct engagement with Indigenous communities, including preparing briefing materials and attending in-community meetings.
• reviewing OEB’s procedures and processes concerning engagement with Indigenous communities.
• assisting the Manager with all cross-functional responsibilities regarding Indigenous engagement.
• developing guidance documents to assist stakeholders with Indigenous engagement approaches, particularly with respect to consultation.
• providing internal guidance to the OEB on best practices for engaging Indigenous peoples and communities.
• supporting the work of OEB’s Commissioners related to Indigenous engagement and the Duty to Consult.

Qualifications

• The OEB welcomes applications from students are currently enrolled in a degree program at a recognized post-secondary institution, who will be resuming their studies following the summer employment opportunity.
• The successful candidate will have undertaken coursework, research and/or writing in the area of Indigenous relations in Canada. Priority will be given to candidates with demonstrated interest in the areas of Aboriginal/Indigenous law, policy, and Crown-Indigenous relations in Canada.
• An understanding of the current and historic relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Crown is essential to the role.
• Previous experience working with or in Indigenous communities will be considered an asset.
• Ability to gather, critically analyze and compile information.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).

*some travel within Ontario will be required*