Employment Opportunities
The Survivors’ Secretariat is a Survivor-led, trauma-informed organization dedicated to uncovering, documenting, and sharing the truth about what happened at the Mohawk Institute. We invite Survivors, family members of Survivors, and allies to join us in the important work of truth-telling.
Please see below for current employment opportunities with the Survivors’ Secretariat. If you have any questions about a position, please contact us at
Current Full-Time Postings
Board of Directors
Position Title: Board Member
Reports To: Survivors’ Secretariat Board of Directors
Classification: 6 – 10 hours per month
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Organization Description
The Survivors’ Secretariat was established in 2021 to organize and support efforts to uncover, document and share the truth about what happened at the Mohawk Institute during its 140+ years of operation.
Board Member Description
As a Survivor-led organization, the Board of Directors plays a critical role in guiding and directing the operations of the Survivors’ Secretariat. The Board employs an Indigenous model of consensus-building and works collaboratively to advance the mission and ensure accountability to Survivors and impacted communities.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Provide strategic guidance and oversight to the Secretariat’s operations and activities.
- Act as an ambassador for the Survivors’ Secretariat, fostering strong relationships with the community, governments, and other stakeholders.
- Uphold trauma-informed practices and promote cultural respect in all decision-making processes.
- Collaborate with the Secretariat to ensure adherence to the principles of OCAP® (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) and safeguard Indigenous Data Sovereignty.
- Attend and actively participate in all Board meetings (virtual, teleconference, and in-person when feasible).
- Support the Secretariat’s efforts to build partnerships and advance initiatives aligned with Survivors’ priorities.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Must be a Survivor or Intergenerational Survivor of the Mohawk Institute. (Preference will be given to Survivors.)
- Previous experience serving on a Board or Committee is an asset.
- Familiarity with the legacy of residential schools, including the Mohawk Institute, and an understanding of trauma-informed practices.
- Demonstrated cultural knowledge and an ability to work collaboratively within Indigenous and diverse communities.
- Strong communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrated experience and or understanding trauma informed practice.
Time Commitment
- Two or more meetings per month, with a mix of virtual, teleconference, and occasional in-person sessions.
Application Process
All applicants must complete an Application Form, which can be accessed:
Online: Download the application here
Applicants can submit their Application Form:
In Person: Drop off an application at the Ohsweken Post Office (1721 Chiefswood Drive) PO
Box 460, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0 Attn: Board of Directors
For further information, please contact or visit our website – www.survivorssecretariat.ca.
Interested Candidates are encouraged to review the full website of the Survivors’ Secretariat and Volume 4 of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
System Navigator
Job Status:
Full-Time Position
Please submit Cover Letter, and Resume by 4:00 PM EST on February 28, 2023.
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System Navigator
The System Navigator is responsible for the day-to-day activities associated with informing Survivors about the process involved when they provide a statement to the Survivors’ Secretariat or the Police Task Force. The System navigator will ensure Survivors are informed and understand the privacy protections built into the process and what they are consenting to when sharing their statement.
Key Responsibilities
- Be the main point of contact with Survivors as they begin the statement process
- Explain the different ways Statements can be shared with the Secretariat and/or the Task Force
- Explain privacy protections, and consent forms
- Explain how an interview is conducted, and what to expect
- Explain what supports and resources are available in the Survivors’ local community and coordinate referrals to Survivor specific programs
- Liaise and advocate on behalf of the Survivor with the Task Force, the Human Rights Monitor and the Cultural Monitors as needed or required
- Are available to Survivors after their statement if needed to assist in connecting/ reconnecting with resources and/or answer any questions the Survivor have.
- Update Survivors on the progress of the Task Force’s work
- Attend the Six Nation’s High Risk Committee meetings (community situational table) on behalf of the Secretariat
- Attend the Six Nation’s Social Services Committee meetings on behalf of the Secretariat
- Attend Secretariat and Survivors meetings as required
Education And Experience
- Social Service/ Social Work Background and relevant experience
- Experience working within Justice/ Social Service Sector
- Trauma informed approach to working with survivors and
- Strong planning, organizational and problem-solving skills
- Ability co-ordinate with First Nation, municipal, provincial, and federal service providers
- Demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking skills
- Knowledge of the Indian Residential School System, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the history of the Mohawk Institute.
- Experience working independently and with a team.
- Available to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.
- Valid First Aid Certificate
- Priority will be given to Intergenerational Survivors.
Location and Compensation
- The Successful Candidate will be required to work mostly from the Survivors’ Secretariat office located at Six Nations of the Grand River, with some flexibility for remote work
- The Survivors’ Secretariat will provide a competitive compensation to attract an experienced Candidate
- Given that the Candidate will be working with older Survivors, proof of COVID vaccination will be requested
Interested Candidates are encouraged to review the full website of the Survivors’ Secretariat and Volume 4 of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
View the Full Job Description »
Please submit cover letter and resume by 4:00 PM EST on February 28, 2023 to .
Ground Search Analyst/Coordinator
Job Status:
Salaried, Full time
Please submit Cover Letter, and Resume by 4:00 PM EST on February 28, 2023.
View the Full Job Description »
Ground Search Analyst/Coordinator
The Ground Search Analyst/Coordinator is responsible for day-to-day collaboration efforts between the Secretariat and technical partners in the analysis of data associated with ground search on grounds associated with the Mohawk Institute.
Reporting to the Manager of Ground Search, the Analyst/Coordinator will provide day-to-day direction, support and coordination to those involved in the analysis of ground search data including but not limited to Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR), and the use of arcGIS to build interactive mapping data to support enhanced details tied to georeferencing overtime. The analyst position is premised on a mentorship/learning environment that is fostered through collaboration with Post-Secondary Anthropology and Archeology departments.
Key Responsibilities
- Exploration of current technologies used to investigate ground search efforts
- Work with Six Nations Archeology, Secretariat Human Rights, and Cultural Monitors to address questions tied to findings associated with data analysis
- High level of confidentiality is honoured in all stages of work
- Review all completed GPR grid data, track, and document what grids have been completed and entered in tracking systems used by the Secretariat and its collaborating partners.
- Ensure that the manager is regularly updated on work efforts
Education And Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred, plus two years of directly related experience working with Residential School Survivors and Intergenerational Survivors.
OR
- An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted if it directly relates to the essential duties and responsibilities.
- Experience working in an Indigenous organization is an asset
- Demonstrated experience in effectively working in a scientific/analytic atmosphere
- Demonstrates cultural knowledge, including awareness of practices, ceremony, history and legacy
- Demonstrated experience and or understanding of Trauma Informed Care
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working within an Indigenous organization or community
- Strong knowledge and awareness of Indigenous culture, and both historical and contemporary
- Indigenous issues. Emphasis being on the impacts of trauma and community outreach
- Ability to analytically process data, willingness to learn new technologies
Location and Compensation
- The Successful Candidate will be required to work mostly from the Survivors’ Secretariat office located at Six Nations of the Grand River, with some flexibility for remote work
- The Survivors’ Secretariat will provide a competitive compensation to attract an experienced Candidate
- Given that the Candidate will be working with older Survivors, proof of COVID vaccination will be requested
Interested Candidates are encouraged to review the full website of the Survivors’ Secretariat and Volume 4 of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
View the Full Job Description »
Please submit cover letter and resume by 4:00 PM EST on February 28, 2023 to .