Description
Deion
The Nisga’a Nation is a self-governing Indigenous Nation with deep roots in the Nass River Valley of northwestern British Columbia. Since the landmark Nisga’a Final Agreement came into effect in 2000—the first modern-day treaty in British Columbia—the Nisga’a Lisims Government (NLG) has served as the modern, democratically elected government of the Nisga’a people. Grounded in traditional culture and Indigenous law, NLG is committed to advancing the well-being of Nisga’a citizens and building a sustainable, self-determined future.
As part of the continued evolution of its legal department, NLG is seeking to add an experienced lawyer to its established in-house legal team. This role offers a unique opportunity to support Indigenous governance, treaty implementation, and policy advancement. Reporting to the Lead In-House Legal Counsel, the successful candidate will provide strategic legal services to the Executive, and department Directors on matters involving administrative law, litigation strategy, treaty rights, property law, employment, and commercial relationships. The position will also require interpreting and applying the Nisga’a Final Agreement, advising on Nisga’a enactments, and supporting the legislative development process. In addition to these responsibilities, the legal counsel will work closely with external litigation counsel involving the Nisga’a Nation and its entities, contributing to legal risk management, and serving as a trusted advisor in matters involving Indigenous, constitutional, and policy-related law.
This position is ideal for a litigator with at least five years of experience, ideally with a background in constitutional, Aboriginal, environmental, administrative, or public law. Candidates must be members in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia (or eligible for call) and possess excellent oral and written communication skills, sound legal judgment, and a collaborative mindset. Experience working with Indigenous clients, governments, or laws is considered a strong asset. The successful candidate must be available for travel to the Nass Valley and other locations as required and will be based in a hybrid model—working both remotely and from NLG’s administrative offices in New Aiyansh.
This is a rare opportunity to engage in meaningful, precedent-setting work that directly impacts Indigenous communities. You will join a collegial and well-established legal team, collaborate with senior leadership on critical legal and governance issues, and work in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of British Columbia. This role offers not only professional depth and complexity but also the chance to contribute to a successful, sovereign model of Indigenous self-government.
