Program Assistant, Indigenous Neighbours (Canada Summer Jobs)

The MCC BC Indigenous Neighbours (IN) Program was started over 30 years ago. The program works to foster the building of trust relationships between Indigenous groups, local churches and community groups. We are called, as a faith community, to acknowledge the need for reconciliation to create a new pathway together. We do this by:

• understanding the history, challenges, and strengths that we all bring;
• educating individuals and groups on reconciliation actions using workshops, speaking engagements, publications, and online resources; and
• facilitating opportunities for MCC supporters and Indigenous partners to build respectful relationships.

The Indigenous Neighbours Program Assistant (summer intern) assists the MCC BC Indigenous Neighbours Program Coordinator by co-developing educational presentations, assisting with planning Indigenous engagement events, researching, and learning about Indigenous history, updating social media sites, sending out newsletters, promoting the program to churches and community, entering program information into database, and attending online Indigenous events and conferences as required.

As an integral member of the team, this position requires a personal alignment with MCC BC’s Christian identity and values, which are rooted in Jesus, the Anabaptist community of faith, and the work of reconciliation. The role includes participation in devotionals and prayer within MCC BC, as well as at churches or faith gatherings, and calls for representing MCC and its work with integrity in all settings.

ABOUT MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE (MCC)
Founded in 1920, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is the international relief and development organization of Mennonite churches in North America. Guided by faith, we work for peace, justice, and the dignity of all people by sharing resources, experience, and hope. We seek to demonstrate God’s love by responding to poverty, conflict, and natural disasters around the world. In British Columbia, MCC supports international relief efforts through financial and material aid, while also offering local programs that address needs in communities across the province.

• Demonstrated commitment to a personal Christian faith and discipleship, active participation in a Christian church or Christian community, and nonviolent peacemaking
• 
  Must meet all eligibility requirements of the Canada Summer Jobs Program (Who can take part – Canada.ca):
  • be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the job and
  • be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations, including having a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of their summer job
  • If you have a SIN that begins with a 9, you must provide proof of residency. Acceptable documents include:
    • a letter from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) confirming refugee status or
    • a valid Permanent Resident Card
• Post-secondary education in Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Social Work, or Not-for-Profit Management preferred
• Demonstrated ability and comfort engaging with Christians, churches, and faith-based communities, particularly in the context of reconciliation and healing relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples
• Strong interpersonal and English communication skills, both verbal and written, including the ability to support presentations, workshops, and written communications
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, including comfort with basic administrative tasks, databases, and record-keeping
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, internet tools, databases, and typing
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team; self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and manage multiple tasks
• Satisfactory criminal record check clearance upon hire
• Valid BC Driver’s Licence along with a satisfactory Driver’s Abstract preferred

EDUCATION, PROGRAM DELIVERY, & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Develop and adapt Indigenous history and cultural presentations for in-person and online settings to engage churches in the ministry of reconciliation.
• Assist with developing and potentially co-facilitating workshops and book studies for IN Program.
• Assist with facilitating the KAIROS Blanket Exercise.
• Support planning and delivery of ways to present MCC’s historical connections with Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.
• Participate in relevant roundtables and working groups (e.g. MCC Canada IN Roundtable, MCBC Indigenous Relations Task Group, MCBC Creations Care Task Group, Indigenous Wisdom Group).

EVENT PLANNING & COORDINATION

• Plan and assist with Walk in the Spirit of Reconciliation (May 29–31, 2026), a pre–National Indigenous Peoples Day awareness initiative, including coordination of a self-guided walk and follow-up with Indigenous partners and resources.
• Identify community plans and dates for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation events and assist with planning MCC BC events.
• Assist with developing IN Program events that bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.

COMMUNICATIONS, PROMOTION & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT

• Prepare and distribute Indigenous events newsletters and email communications highlighting upcoming events and learning opportunities.
• Support promotion of the IN Program by engaging churches, education institutions, community groups, and local First Nations and Métis groups.
• Enter and maintain IN Program information and contacts in the program database.

ORGANIZATIONAL PARTICIPATION & CULTURE

• Participate fully in MCC BC’s organizational life, including meetings, training, devotionals, and prayer.
• Model MCC BC’s Christian identity and values in professional conduct and relationships.
• Follow MCC BC policies, safeguarding practices, and standards of conduct.
• Contribute to a respectful, safe, and accountable organizational culture that prevents and addresses abuse of power.
• Other related duties as requested by the Indigenous Neighbours Program Coordinator.