Job Description

Job Summary

The Legal and Governance Advisor serves as a key strategic and legal resource to the Chief and Council of Onion Lake Cree Nation, with an indirect reporting line to the Chief Executive Officer. This role provides expert legal advice, governance guidance, and oversight support to ensure decision-making, policies, and operations are aligned with Onion Lake Cree Nation's laws, bylaws, governance frameworks, and strategic objectives. The Advisor acts as a bridge between leadership, administration, and external stakeholders to safeguard the Nation's legal interests and enhance governance capacity.

Responsibilities:

Provide sound legal advice to Chief and Council on matters relating to governance, policy, contracts, and regulatory compliance.

Review, draft, and negotiate agreements, contracts, and legal documents to safeguard Onion Lake Cree Nation's rights and interests.

Monitor evolving federal, provincial, and Indigenous legal frameworks, and advise on potential impacts to the Nation.

Liaise with external legal counsel as required, ensuring cost-effective and timely representation.

Strengthen and maintain Onion Lake Cree Nation's governance structures, policies, and procedures to reflect best practices and community values.

Provide guidance on Chief and Council motions, resolutions, bylaws, and policies, ensuring compliance with legal and governance standards.

Support transparent and accountable decision-making processes within Council and administrative bodies.

Assist with the development, review, and implementation of governance frameworks, including community engagement and consultation processes.

Directly advise Chief and Council in all deliberations, providing clear options, risks, and recommendations.

Work closely with the CEO to ensure alignment between governance decisions and operational execution.

Support Chief and Council with legal interpretations during negotiations, external partnerships, and intergovernmental relations.

Identify legal and governance risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

Ensure compliance with Onion Lake Cree Nation laws, policies, and external regulatory requirements.

Maintain records, governance documents of Council resolutions, motions, and legal opinions for accountability and future reference.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) or Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree required; active membership in good standing with a Canadian Law Society preferred.

Minimum 5 years of relevant legal and governance experience, ideally with First Nations, Indigenous governments, or public sector organizations.

Strong knowledge of Indigenous law, treaty rights, federal and provincial legislation, and governance frameworks.

Proven ability to draft, interpret, and review legal and policy documents.

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advisory skills.

Experience working with Chiefs, Councils, or Boards is considered a strong asset.

DEADLINE DATE: September 19, 2025

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Interested applicants, who meet the qualifications as listed above, must submit:

1. Cover letter

2. Current resume with dates specified

3. LIST of three current references with phone numbers

4. Clear Criminal Record Check

5. Drivers Abstract

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Life insurance Paid time off
Work Location: In person