About Musqueam

We are traditional hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking people. Today, we are a strong, growing community of over 1,300 members. We live on a small portion of our traditional territory, known as the Musqueam Indian Reserve, located south of Marine Drive near the mouth of the Fraser River. The name Musqueam relates back to the River Plant, the name of the plant is məθkʷəy̓. There is a story that has been passed on from generation to generation that explains how we became known as the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) - People of the River Plant. We have always moved throughout our territory using the resources it provides for fishing, hunting, trapping and gathering. We remain distinct and our cultural practices are strong, despite the devastating impacts of residential schools, colonial laws banning our ceremonies, and other attempts to assimilate our people. Our lands and waters continue to support our cultural and economic practices while serving as a source of knowledge and memory, encoded with our teachings and laws. To learn more about Musqueam, please visit www.musqueam.bc.ca

Position Summary

The Musqueam Climate Strategy Intern will support Musqueam Indian Band in developing a Musqueam Climate Strategy. The intern will document and analyze the impact of the current community and administrative climate action initiatives, support the Climate Action Working Group in community engagement, and deliver day-to-day administrative duties.

The Intern will work in the Title and Rights Division. They will develop their experience in administrative settings, whilst delivering meaningful and practical work to identify the gaps to be filled by the Musqueam Climate Strategy. By bridging administrative efforts and community knowledge, the Intern will strengthen local climate literacy while ensuring the climate strategy development reflects Musqueam needs, resilience and cultural practices.

This is a temporary, paid full-time internship for 8 weeks for youth aged 16 to 30 as part of the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program under Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS).

Roles & Responsibilities

• Interview key administrative staff members and compile information about climate initiatives.
• Analyze gaps within the initiatives and opportunities for collaboration.
• Support the organization of community engagements for the Climate Risk Assessment.
• Develop a “what we’ve learned” summary report of community engagement.
• Attend and support regular Climate Action Working Group meetings.
• Work with the consultant to connect the climate risk assessment they produce to community climate actions.
• Other related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must be enrolled as a student at one of the following universities: University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University or University of Northern British Columbia.
• Studies in Climate, Energy, Policy or Environmental Studies preferred.
• Cultural competency, experience collaborating respectfully with Indigenous peoples and communities, and knowledge of Musqueam cultural traditions. Preference will be given to a Musqueam member to build capacity within the community.
• Computer literacy required, must be proficient in the use of Microsoft (Outlook, Word, Excel) and Adobe Acrobat, or ability to learn.
• Strong initiative, communication and organizational skills.
• Enthusiasm and curiosity for environmental stewardship and climate action.
• Successful criminal record check.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in the office Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm with occasional evenings or for events.