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
System Navigator
Job Status:
Full-Time Position
Please submit Cover Letter, and Resume by 4:00 PM EST on February 28, 2023.
View the Full Job Description »
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 .
Manager of Outreach and Engagement
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 »
Manager of Outreach and Engagement
Job Description
The Manager of Outreach and Engagement is responsible for creating, facilitating, and coordinating community engagement strategy for the Survivors’ Secretariat. The position focuses on work into unmarked burials associated with the Mohawk Institute, Indian Residential School and outreach to Residential School Survivors who attended the Mohawk Institute. The Outreach Manager works closely with impacted communities, the Multi-Jurisdictional Police Task Force (SNPS, BPS and OPP), the Indigenous police liaison units, Human Rights, and Cultural monitors. The incumbent will sit on Indigenous, provincial, and federal committees engaged in the work of unmarked burials. This management position will lead a small team of outreach and engagement people, be part of the Secretariats’ leadership team and part of delivering an ongoing educational process shaped and informed by Survivors, informed by the Calls to Action, UNDRIP and the Calls to Justice. The ongoing work of this position will include participation in strategic planning and fund raising while ensuring the adherence to the Secretariats’ mandate.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the planning, and coordination of the outreach and engagement strategic plan
- Develop a comprehensive outreach and community engagement plan that includes a full work plan, community presentations, templates for information gathering within impacted communities and communities leading work into other Indian Residential Schools.
- Lead/ participate in the development of engagement tool kits and outreach strategies/methods
- Oversee the planning of commemoration activities, gatherings and participation in events and community outreach activities
- Participate/assist in the writing of funding and grant submissions, the development of departmental and organizational budgets and reporting documentation for funders
- Project Planning and Assignment of work – development of department work plan and delegated tasks when planning gatherings, community visits, conferences, and speaking panels
- Ensure that the outreach and engagement staff have the training and tools to fulfill outreach goals and priorities
Education And Experience
- Post-Secondary degree in a relevant field preferred, plus 3-5 years of direct management experience working OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that directly relates to the essential duties and responsibilities
- Experience working in an Indigenous organization is an asset
- Demonstrated experience in effectively working with people with complex needs and vulnerabilities
- Demonstrated cultural knowledge including awareness, knowledge, and empathy
- Demonstrated experience and or understanding of trauma informed practices
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working within an Indigenous organization or community.
- Advanced knowledge and awareness of Indigenous cultures
- Extensive knowledge of the legacy of Indian Residential Schools
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 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 .
Executive Liaison
Job Status:
Salaried, Full time
Please submit Cover Letter, and Resume by 4:00 PM EST on March 31, 2023.
View the Full Job Description »
Manager of Outreach and Engagement
Job Description
As the Executive Liaison for the Survivors’ Secretariat, you will executive level administrative and clerical support to the Secretariat Lead. Work includes scheduling of meetings, making travel arrangements, organizing the daily schedule for the Secretariat Lead, supervision of administrative team, providing oversight of expenses and expenditures associated with office employees and the Board.
The Executive Liaison provides leadership, support, guidance, and mentorship to staff and those providing services and resources to the Survivors’ Secretariat. The Liaison is a critical and valued part of the Secretariat team, through participation in recruitment, retention, and workplace relations. Working with the Secretariat Lead, this position will bridge the work of the Board of Directors and ensure that the work of the Secretariat remains in line with and accountable to Survivors and the Board.
Key Responsibilities
- Work closely with Board/Secretariat Lead and Communications team to proactively respond to media enquiries.
- Lead/participate in the development of Board of Director meetings, including agenda, coordination of materials for Board members.
- Participate/assist in the writing or editing of funding and grant submissions.
- Project Planning and Assignment of work- incorporation of department work plans into reporting templates for Board of Directors and Funders.
- Provide a daily oversight of:
- Delegation of working duties.
- Coordinating with human resources and payroll to onboard new employees.
- Scheduling, coordination and booking of travel.
- Review and approval of travel and expense claims.
- A Professional focus on creating healthy working relationships that includes:
- Provide support when requested and needed to other Survivors’ Secretariat projects by coordinating with and supporting colleagues.
- Ensure adherence to the principles of OCAP and the development of an Indigenous Data Sovereignty framework to ensure the protection and safety of all that is recovered during the Secretariat’s work.
- Participate in relationship building practices and processes to assess, improve, reclaim, revitalize, and recover nation to nation relationships.
- Working with community partners, service providers and cultural supports to ensure a culture of relationships that work to respect and honour the distinct nature of identity that each community possesses.
- Strengthening relationships with stakeholders to identify a network of partners that will work together with the Secretariat to support the Survivors.
- Facilitate survivors’ meetings involving impacted communities that foster advocacy relationship building, collaboration, and advance the work of Survivors and the work of the Secretariat.
- Create opportunities for Survivors to be part of commemoration activities.
- Foster and build collaborative opportunities within Six Nations and beyond.
- Cultivate relationships within Six Nations, across diverse communities, funders, and levels of government to advance the work and mandate of the Secretariat.
Education And Experience
- Post-Secondary degree in a relevant field preferred, plus 3-5 years of direct senior administrative experience at the senior leadership level OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that directly relates to the essential duties and responsibilities.
- Experience working in an Indigenous organization is an asset
- Demonstrated experience in effectively working with people with complex needs and vulnerabilities
- Demonstrated cultural knowledge including awareness, knowledge, and empathy
- Demonstrated experience and or understanding of trauma informed practices
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working within an Indigenous organization or community.
- Advanced knowledge and awareness of Indigenous cultures
- Extensive knowledge of the legacy of Indian Residential Schools
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
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.
The Reclaiming Our Role – Youth Supporting Survivors Program
Job Status:
Hourly ($20/hour), Full time, Contract
Please submit Cover Letter and Resume by 4:00 PM EST on March 27, 2023.
View the Full Job Description »
Manager of Outreach and Engagement
Job Description
This 16-week summer employment opportunity is open to post-secondary students between the ages of 17 – 29 yrs. The Reclaiming Our Role – Youth Supporting Survivors Program is focused on engaging young people in the work of the Survivors’ Secretariat. Applications are sought from young people from Six Nations of the Grand River and other impacted communities to be trained and then participate in operating the ground penetrating radar machines on grounds associated with the Mohawk Institute. Youth will work under the supervision of the Program Coordinator and as part of the learning experience will have opportunities to be involved in personal development sessions with the Survivors, the Human Rights Monitor, Cultural Monitors, and those involved in the work at the Mohawk Institute. The Youth Supporting Survivors Program has been developed to create a safe, and community focused environment for young people who identify as intergenerational Survivors.
Key Responsibilities
- Working under the guidance of the Program Coordinator, youth will be part of a of a 16-week employment and learning program with the Survivors’ Secretariat.
- Young people will receive training in GPR technology, and the operation of the GPR machines that they will be operating.
- Working with the Program Coordinator and the GPR Coordinator youth employees will be provided with a weekly schedule that will include set times to be on the grounds where search activities are being conducted, and timing of mandatory training and professional development activities that will be spread across the 16-week program.
- Attend regularly scheduled team meetings and debrief sessions with the Program Coordinator.
Education And Experience
- Post-Secondary degree in a relevant field preferred, plus 3-5 years of direct senior administrative experience at the senior leadership level OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that directly relates to the essential duties and responsibilities.
- Experience working in an Indigenous organization is an asset
- Demonstrated experience in effectively working with people with complex needs and vulnerabilities
- Demonstrated cultural knowledge including awareness, knowledge, and empathy
- Demonstrated experience and or understanding of trauma informed practices
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working within an Indigenous organization or community.
- Advanced knowledge and awareness of Indigenous cultures
- Extensive knowledge of the legacy of Indian Residential Schools
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
Education And Experience
- Currently enrolled or will be a student in a post-secondary program in September 2023
- Identify as an Intergenerational Survivor of the Mohawk Institute
- 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.
- Ability to work independently and with a team.
- Strong planning, organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Valid Class G Driver’s License.
- Available to work a flexible schedule, including some afternoons and weekends.
- A satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check result is a requirement of this position.
- Priority will be given to Intergenerational Survivors.
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.
View the Full Job Description »
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 .
Manager of Outreach and Engagement
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 »
Manager of Outreach and Engagement
Job Description
The Manager of Outreach and Engagement is responsible for creating, facilitating, and coordinating community engagement strategy for the Survivors’ Secretariat. The position focuses on work into unmarked burials associated with the Mohawk Institute, Indian Residential School and outreach to Residential School Survivors who attended the Mohawk Institute. The Outreach Manager works closely with impacted communities, the Multi-Jurisdictional Police Task Force (SNPS, BPS and OPP), the Indigenous police liaison units, Human Rights, and Cultural monitors. The incumbent will sit on Indigenous, provincial, and federal committees engaged in the work of unmarked burials. This management position will lead a small team of outreach and engagement people, be part of the Secretariats’ leadership team and part of delivering an ongoing educational process shaped and informed by Survivors, informed by the Calls to Action, UNDRIP and the Calls to Justice. The ongoing work of this position will include participation in strategic planning and fund raising while ensuring the adherence to the Secretariats’ mandate.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the planning, and coordination of the outreach and engagement strategic plan
- Develop a comprehensive outreach and community engagement plan that includes a full work plan, community presentations, templates for information gathering within impacted communities and communities leading work into other Indian Residential Schools.
- Lead/ participate in the development of engagement tool kits and outreach strategies/methods
- Oversee the planning of commemoration activities, gatherings and participation in events and community outreach activities
- Participate/assist in the writing of funding and grant submissions, the development of departmental and organizational budgets and reporting documentation for funders
- Project Planning and Assignment of work – development of department work plan and delegated tasks when planning gatherings, community visits, conferences, and speaking panels
- Ensure that the outreach and engagement staff have the training and tools to fulfill outreach goals and priorities
Education And Experience
- Post-Secondary degree in a relevant field preferred, plus 3-5 years of direct management experience working OR an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that directly relates to the essential duties and responsibilities
- Experience working in an Indigenous organization is an asset
- Demonstrated experience in effectively working with people with complex needs and vulnerabilities
- Demonstrated cultural knowledge including awareness, knowledge, and empathy
- Demonstrated experience and or understanding of trauma informed practices
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience working within an Indigenous organization or community.
- Advanced knowledge and awareness of Indigenous cultures
- Extensive knowledge of the legacy of Indian Residential Schools
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 .