Indigenous Research and Data Governance Lead, BCCDC Reconciliation Action

 

BC Centre for Disease Control

Vancouver, BC

 

Pursuant to Section 42(3) of the British Columbia Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants with Lived Experience as an Indigenous person to Canada (First Nations, Métis, or Inuk/Inuit). We invite applicants to self-identify in their cover letter and/or resume.

 

Reporting to the Executive Director, Indigenous Health at BCCDC, the Lead, Indigenous Research and Data Governance is responsible for the design, implementation, research, and evaluation process at the BC Centre for Disease Control to make First Nations and Indigenous Peoples visible in data, upholding their rights to self-determination and informed decision-making in alignment with UNDRIP Article 24—the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.

The Lead works within a complex healthcare, political, and academic environment, providing leadership in ethical data governance, population health surveillance, and intersectoral collaboration to inform policy, decision-making, and public health practices at local, regional, and provincial levels. This role develops and implements partnership approaches with Indigenous governing bodies and First Nations communities, prioritizing self-determined outcomes through reciprocal relationships that respect unique governance structures and community priorities.

The Lead also establishes and encourages the BC Centre for Disease Control to uphold ethical data stewardship practices that center strengths-based approaches, prevent harm in public health data use, and advance culturally safe methodologies in research and surveillance. Additionally, the Lead will support the development and delivery of training and resources for public health staff to build capacity in ethical data collection, analysis, and sharing. The Lead plays a key role in fostering strong internal working relationships, particularly with the Epidemiology Intelligence Services (EIS) Unit, Executive Director, Applied Research & Methods, and externally with First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Office of the Provincial Health Officer (OPHO), and Métis Nation BC (MNBC) to strengthen Indigenous research partnerships and applied research initiatives.

Through this work, the Lead is accountable for applying Indigenous research and data governance principles to BCCDC’s public health initiatives, strengthening organizational capacity to advance equitable and anti-racist health practices. The Lead will liaise & collaborate with provincial and national organizations that are involved in collecting data that is utilized by the BC Centre for Disease Control (e.g. StatsCan, CIHI, etc.), aiming to increase the cultural safety & relevance of data used for public health decision making.

What you’ll do

• Provide leadership and manages the development, implementation, and evaluation of projects, programs, and services in support of strategic BCCDC Indigenous Health data priorities and Ministry mandates.
• Develop strategic direction of the program area in alignment with the Unit and BCCDC strategic plans and broader PHSA and Ministry priorities.
• Maintain responsibility for ensuring that programs, services, and related projects are completed in adherence to project protocols/ charters/ agreements, timelines, applicable institutional and ethical policies and procedures, and applicable legislation.
• Build relationships with external (FNHA, MNBC, OPHO) and internal (EIS Unit & Executive Director Applied Research and Methods) partners and facilitates collaboration in support of BCCDC’s provincial mandate and program priorities.
• Manage the identification, collection, synthesis, and analysis of relevant information/ evidence to inform policy/practice within BCCDC. Engage in research when appropriate.
• Support team members on their learning journey related to Indigenous-specific Anti-racism, Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility, DEI and anti-racism.
• Develop proposals, budgets, and work plans for proposed programs, services, and related projects, ensuring that resources will meet program/project objectives and high-quality deliverables; prepare mid-term and final reports. In collaboration with the other team members and the Executive Director, Indigenous Health, ensures adherence to the budget by performing duties such as monitoring expenditures, variance reporting and recommending remedial action and taking corrective action to ensure performance to plan.
• Lead project teams, related working groups, and advisory committees to achieve targeted goals/objectives of programs, services, and related projects.
• Represent BCCDC on external committees and with external bodies, including community-based organizations, Regional Health Authorities, First Nations Health Authority, Métis Nation BC, the Ministry of Health, Office of the Provincial Health Officer and other ministries.
• Ensure integration of the legislative obligations and provincial commitments to reconciliation and the elimination of Indigenous-specific racism.

What you bring

 

Qualifications

• A level of education, training and experience equivalent to a Master’s Degree in public health or a related field with a minimum of (7) years recent and related experience in program management or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training, including two (2) years at a leadership level.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Centre for Disease Control contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

• Commitment to developing knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents, including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight: Addressing Indigenous-Specific Racism and Discrimination in BC Health Care (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA, 2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, and an understanding of how these commitments intersect across the health care system. Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) communities and organizations.
• Experience or working knowledge of conducting evaluations and synthesizing and mobilizing knowledge and evidence.
• Strong understanding of public health systems, data and research, policy and legislation, health promotion, knowledge translation and change management.
• Systems thinker with experience setting and implementing the strategic direction for a program area. Proven excellent oral and written communication skills with a broad range of partners, with an ability to function at a high level in a complex and changing interdisciplinary public health environment.
• Sound judgment, tact and diplomacy include strong negotiation, conflict resolution and consensus building skills. Demonstrated ability to develop and manage a budget.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and guide staff and facilitate team building and develop healthy workplace. 
• Strong computer skills, including ability to develop and use spreadsheets, word processing, data management/ analysis, presentation, and project management applications.
• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

 

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Part-Time (FTE 0.50)
Salary Range: $108,147 - $155,461/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Z 4R4
Hours of Work: 0800 - 1600
Requisition # 197592E

 

What we do

 

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is dedicated to preventing and controlling communicable diseases and promoting environmental health for the province of BC.

 

BCCDC is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

 

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

 

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

 

PHSA and BCCDC are committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

 

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

 

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

 

Attention current employees of PHSA:

 

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.

 

The internal job posting expires on April 23^rd, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

 

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.

 

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.