Governance & Nation Relations
BACKGROUND:
SCO is a growing and dynamic regional First Nation organization that represents 33 Anishinaabe and Dakota Nations and more than 92,000 citizens in what is now southern Manitoba. Established in 1999 by the Chiefs, SCO is mandated as an independent organization to protect, preserve, promote, and enhance First Nation peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.
OVERVIEW:
The Director, Health Transformation (Governance & Nation Relations) plays a senior leadership role in advancing one of SCO’s most significant initiatives, the establishment of a First Nations-led health system through the Southern First Nations Health Authority (SFNHA). The Health Transformation department operates under a co-leadership model, with this role responsible for the Governance & Nation Relations portfolio in equal partnership with the Director, Operations & Systems Integration.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Operations, this position is responsible for governance development, nation engagement, and intergovernmental relations, ensuring that community direction, Chiefs’ mandates, and Nation consent are central to all aspects of implementation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership and Strategic Planning
- Provide leadership in governance and Nation relations as part of SCO’s Health Transformation initiative
- Work in equal partnership with the Co-Lead, Operations & Systems Integration to align governance and operational planning
- Support implementation of the multi-phase transition toward SFNHA (readiness, transition, and full handover)
- Collaborate with the CEO, EDO, and senior leadership to ensure alignment with SCO’s strategic priorities
Governance and Legislative Development
- Lead development of governance frameworks, bylaws, and incorporation documents for SFNHA
- Oversee legislative and policy development aligned with Chiefs’ resolutions and First Nations priorities
- Coordinate legal review processes and support intergovernmental agreement development
- Ensure governance structures reflect First Nations jurisdiction and self-determination
Nation Engagement and Consent
- Lead engagement processes with SCO member Nations, Chiefs, Elders, and Health Directors
- Ensure transparent tracking of Nation input, resolutions, and consent processes
- Facilitate advisory tables and engagement forums to support decision-making
- Translate engagement outcomes into actionable governance and readiness planning
Intergovernmental Relations and Policy Integration
- Lead coordination with federal and provincial partners on governance and legislative matters
- Ensure alignment with national and regional health transformation initiatives
- Represent SCO in negotiations, working groups, and strategic discussions
Program Oversight and Implementation Support
- Oversee governance-related deliverables within Health Transformation funding agreements
- Ensure reporting, timelines, and outcomes are met
- Manage portfolio budgets, including planning, tracking, and reporting in accordance with SCO financial policies and funding agreements
- Collaborate with internal teams including Policy, Communications, Finance, and HR to support implementation
- Support integration of governance considerations into program design and delivery
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post secondary degree in Health Administration, Public Administration, Business, or a related field.
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in health, government, or Indigenous organizational management.
- Demonstrated knowledge of First Nations health systems, governance structures, and community-based service delivery.
- Experience managing multiple funding agreements and complex portfolios in a health or social service context.
- Strong understanding of the social determinants of health and integration of both western and traditional health approaches.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and relationship building skills.
- Ability to work effectively with Chiefs, councils, Elders, and community partners.
- Ability to speak Dakota or Anishinaabemowin is considered a significant asset.
- First Nations candidates will be given preference.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Current and satisfactory criminal record check with vulnerable sector check and a Child Abuse Registry check.
- If the incumbent is a member of a registered profession, they must be a member in good standing with their regulatory body.
- Must have a valid class 5 MB driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle as travel will be required.
- Flexibility for occasional evening or weekend meetings or events may be required.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday, April 17th, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST
Please submit a cover letter and resume to:
Human Resources
Southern Chiefs’ Organization
202-600 Empress Street
Winnipeg, MB R3G 0L5
Fax: (204) 946-1871 | hr@scoinc.mb.ca
Preference will be given to qualified First Nations candidates. Please self-identify in your cover letter.
Proof of education will be required at the point of hire where an incumbent has graduated from a relevant program.
Please note that SCO does not offer hybrid/remote work options unless specifically stated.
Testing may form part of the selection process.
We thank all who apply and advise that only those selected will be contact for further consideration.