Title: Park Interpreter, Fort Carlton Historic Park
Responsible to: Park Manager, Fort Carlton Historic Park
Summary: The Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, in partnership with Parks Saskatchewan, is seeking a qualified individual to fill a part-time, term position as Park Interpreter at the Fort Carlton Historic Park.
Reporting to the Park Manager, the Park Interpreter is responsible to connect visitors to natural and cultural landscapes, and lead them through impactful experiences that leave lasting memories. You’ll get to lead programs related to nature, history, culture and recreation. Organizing special events is also part of the job.
Core Competencies:
General knowledge of: biological, environmental, or natural sciences, the arts, history and culture, recreation, or education;
Formal and/or experiential knowledge of Plains Cree culture and history;
Deliver, promote, and evaluate interpretive and recreational programs and special events to park visitors which include school groups, and the general public;
Lead groups in park programs, while tactfully, and politely communicating park rules and management messages;
Promote awareness of parks as special places with appreciation of our natural heritage and cultural resources;
Disseminate information and respond to inquiries related to the natural environment, cultural history, and area and park facilities; and
Perform general upkeep of and ensure safety and cleanliness of interpretive facilities and park trails.
Qualifications:
Heritage Interpreter Training is considered an asset;
Knowledge of local historically significant events;
Knowledge of Plains Cree culture;
Excellent interpersonal skills especially in a group setting;
First Aid;
A clear CPIC/VSS is required; and
Class 5 Drivers License and have access to a reliable vehicle
Working Conditions:
Part-time – scheduling determined by the supervisors based on facility and programming needs;
Evening work may be required;
Will be working outdoors with small and large groups of people from a variety of backgrounds; and
Term: Employment begins approximately in May 2020 and runs through till August 2020.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume detailing how the applicant meets the qualification requirements, and a list of three professional references to:
Jaye Cameron, Chief Executive Officer
Re: Park Interpreter
Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation
PO Box 340
Duck Lake, SK S0K 1J0
Email: hr@beardysband.com
Fax: 306-467-4404
Phone: 306-467-4523
Applications can also be dropped off in-person with our receptionist at the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Band Office.
Closing Date for submissions is 12:00pm (noon), February 20, 2020
We thank all those who are interested, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Responsible to: Community Development Officer – Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation
Responsive to: Executive Director – Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre
Summary: The Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation is seeking a qualified individual to fill a part-time, term position as Marketing Coordinator/Interpretive Guide in support of local tourism initiatives.
Reporting to both the Community Development Officer at the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, and the Executive Director at the Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre, the Marketing Coordinator/Interpretive Guide will assist in promoting the region as a tourist destination and in the delivery of local guided tours.
Core Competencies:
Develop and execute tourism marketing plans for the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation and the Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre using a variety of media targeting diverse demographics;
Develop Social Media content to achieve marketing and promotional objectives;
Work with stakeholder groups to identify opportunities and gaps in service/program delivery;
Assist in event coordination, research, and content curation;
Provide administrative support to immediate supervisors; and
Lead guided tours of the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation and the Duck Lake Regional Interpretive Centre.
Qualifications:
Heritage Interpreter Training is considered an asset;
Knowledge of local historically significant events;
Marketing Certificate/Diploma (a combination of experience and education will be considered);
Excellent computer skills;
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills especially in a group setting;
Knowledge of local nehiyawak (Cree) culture;
First Aid;
Must be able to provide both a CPIC and VSS; and
Must possess a valid Class 5 Drivers Licence and have access to a reliable vehicle.
Working Conditions:
Part-time, 5 hours daily – scheduling to be determined by supervisors and based on facility/administrative needs;
Term: Employment starts July 1 till mid-August (with possibility of extension); and
Weekend work may be required.
How to apply:
Interested applicants are invited to submit a cover letter, resume and a list of three professional references to:
Jaye Cameron, Chief Executive Officer RE: Marketing Coordinator/Interpretive Guide Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation
PO Box 340
Duck Lake, SK S0K 1J0
Email: hr@beardysband.com
Applications can also be dropped off with our receptionist in-person at the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Band Office.
Closing date for submissions is 12:00pm (noon), June 21, 2019.
*We thank all those who are interested.
*Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation has embarked on a tourism strategy that includes the development of tourism focused accommodations to be located in a rural area with historical significance.
At this point in time, we require a design proposal for lodging units that will accommodate up to four visitors comfortably in an off-grid setting. We are seeking a proposal that will incorporate our cultural values in the design and appearance of the lodging.
CONSIDERATIONS:
The lodging will not be connected to electrical or natural gas services, proposals must include methodology to supply power and heat through sustainable, self-contained solutions.
There will be no foundations for the lodging, units must be designed to be moved.
The location of the project is in a dark sky preserve area; we are seeking designs that incorporate that opportunity as a competitive advantage.
Kitchen and bathroom/shower facilities will be developed as separate structures, design concepts should focus on maximizing space for sleep and comfort.
PROJECT DETAILS:
Project Identification Number: RFP 027.19
Project: Accommodations Design
Project Start: As Soon As Possible
Location Required: Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation
Maximum value of contract: $30,000
Proposal Submission Deadline: July 24, 2019 (noon)
PROPOSAL SHOULD INCLUDE:
Project Identification Number (RFP 027.19).
Methodology for community engagement and inclusion in the design study.
Company profile including a statement of qualifications and key personnel who will be assigned to the project.
Proposed project methodology and the division of roles and responsibilities between the firm and the client; work schedule with milestones and timelines.
Relevant experience in engaging Indigenous communities and organizations in design processes including recent project examples and references.
The basis for pricing their services.
SUBMISSION INFORMATION:
Proposals can be submitted to the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation via email: jcameron@beardysband.com, via fax: (306) 467-4404 or by dropping off your proposal at the front desk of the Band Office. A selection committee will determine the best submission and will award a contract to the winning applicant.
The Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation has embarked on a tourism strategy that includes the development of a multi-use trail system that will link the community to tourism-based businesses and experiences, the Carlton Trail will be designated as part of the Great Trail (formerly the Trans-Canada Trail) network and will be approximately 20km in length.
At this point in time, we require a trail design study to ensure we are selecting appropriate lands for development and to adhere to industry standards for trail design and construction. In order to ensure a fair and transparent process, proposals are requested from qualified firms.
Proposal Submission Deadline: February 15, 2019 (noon)
Proposal should include:
Project Identification Number (RFP 001.19)
Methodology for community engagement and inclusion in the design study.
Company profile including a statement of qualifications and key personnel who will be assigned to the project.
Proposed project methodology and the division of roles and responsibilities between the firm and the client; work schedule with milestones and timelines.
Relevant experience in engaging Indigenous communities and organizations in trail design processes including recent project examples and references.
The basis for pricing their services.
Submission Information:
Proposals can be submitted to the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation via email: jasna.eyahpaise@beardysband.com, via fax: (306) 467-4404 or by dropping off your proposal at the front desk of the Band Office. A selection committee will determine the best submission and will award a contract to the winning applicant.
New investments for Indigenous tourism, training and business development in Saskatchewan
Whitecap Dakota Nation, Treaty 4 Territory-Indigenous tourism and business development present significant growth opportunities for the Canadian economy. In all sectors, increasing the participation of Indigenous business leads to better outcomes for all Canadians.
Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, announced investments totalling over $1.5 million from Western Economic Diversification Canada for four Indigenous projects.
The following four projects supported include:
$600,000 to enable Whitecap Dakota First Nation, in partnership with Wanuskewin Heritage Park, and Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, to develop an Indigenous tourism corridor along the South Saskatchewan River near Saskatoon.
$80,825 for Meadow Lake Tribal Council Program services to develop the Indigenous tourism industry in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.
$315,000 for the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) to establish an Indigenous Practical Nursing education program.
$550,000 to enable the Pinehouse Business North Development to purchase heavy equipment to strengthen construction company operations.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, and is expected to create over 60 middle-class jobs for Canadians.
“Canada’s Indigenous communities are a rich and vitally important part of our country’s cultural fabric. The Government of Canada is proud to partner with Indigenous communities and institutions to create new economic opportunities. Investing in these initiatives will showcase First Nations culture and history, support good jobs, and contribute to a stronger economy for all.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie
“The Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation, as a partner of the Indigenous Tourism Corridor project, welcomes the announcement from the Government of Canada to support this important community building and economic development initiative. We will share our culture, we will share the hospitality of our people and our community, and we will work to build a world-class, tourism-based economy that will create good, sustainable jobs and see tangible efforts toward reconciliation and understanding of our shared history.”
Councillor Kevin Seesequasis, Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation
“This tourism partnership with Wanuskewin and Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation will provide more Indigenous experiences to the guests of our Dakota Dunes Resort and speed the process of becoming export ready for the international market place.”
Chief Darcy Bear, Whitecap Dakota First Nation
“Wanuskewin is thrilled to partner with Whitecap Dakota First Nation and Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation to create an Indigenous tourism framework in Treaty 6 Territory. By working together, we’re able to enrich the tourism experience for visitors, while offering more robust training opportunities for tourism professionals in the region. As we aim for UNESCO World Heritage designation, partnerships like this are critical to further developing and sharing the stories of Wanuskewin as a gathering place for all nations.”
Candace Wasacase-Lafferty, Chair, Wanuskewin Heritage Park Board of Directors
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For more information, please contact:
Chief & Council Communications
306-467-4523 | communications@beardysband.com
Since November, I, along with our Community Development Officer Jasna Eyahpaise, have been working on a major tourism project for our community.
What began in earnest as an aspirational, office discussion between Councillor Petit (at that time) and I a few years ago, has now turned into one of the largest prospective opportunities for our Nation and our people.
Before I begin, I would like to invite you to attend the “Spotlight on Tourism” information session being held on September 12th at the Veterans Hall beginning at 5pm. Here, you will have the opportunity to engage me directly on the full scope of the project and our progress to date. Please join me!Next, I would like to provide you with an overview of our project and some significant milestones since we began this important community-building work.
As part of the Community Development Plan ratified by Council in November, 2017, the development of a local Tourism market was identified as a priority area for our community.
Taking the direction identified by the community, we began the work of identifying some of the more realistic opportunities that tourism presented in the area. We quickly realized that this work required a more specialized set of skills.
Regional Tourism Strategy
Our Community Development department worked to identify additional funding through Indigenous Services Canada, and we were successful in securing the funds needed.
In January of 2018, Urban Systems was hired to develop the Regional Tourism Strategy. This document was prepared by Urban Systems with support from Glyph Creative – a Tourism Consulting company based out of Saskatoon; and ratified with the full support of Council on June 13.
The Regional Tourism Strategy identifies several key areas of tourism opportunity for the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation to utilize the talents of community members who can tell stories through art and theatre, specifically:
Telling our story as it relates to Treaty 6 and the national and historic significance this plays in a modern context;
Telling our story as it relates to the Riel Resistance and the Battle at Duck Lake;
Telling our story as it relates to Indian Residential Schools;
Capitalizing on the tourism-related infrastructure locally; and
Developing export-ready programming, attractions, and content for domestic and international tourism markets.
After Council ratified the plan, we also continued some important work on identifying additional stakeholders and potential partners in the local area.
We had already had some very important initial conversations with key stakeholders: the Town of Duck Lake, the Regional Interpretive Centre, Parks Canada, the Metis Nation of Saskatchewan, Parks Saskatchewan, Tourism Saskatchewan, Fort Carlton Provincial Park, and others.
We recognized early on that there posed additional opportunities if we partnered with some already-established tourism organizations.
On June 13, Council authorized me to enter the Nation into a Memorandum of Understanding with 3 key Tourism partners.
On July 5th, I hosted a partnership meeting with potential funders, government agencies, and community organizations to discuss our project. More than 50 people attended representing organizations from across Saskatchewan who were interested in our project.
On July 31st, adhering to the provisions contained in the Procurement Policy, we hired Glyph Creative to provide subject matter expertise as our Tourism Consultant.
On August 7, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Whitecap Dakota Nation, and the Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation formalized our partnership and signed an MOU to create the first-ever Indigenous Tourism Corridor in Saskatchewan – and maybe even in Canada; and work in partnership to develop an Indigenous tourism market that would be the envy of the world and bring international tourists to our territories to share the story of our history and our people.
On August 9th, the partnership submitted an application to Western Diversification Canada to fund $1.2M worth of Indigenous Tourism projects between the 3 partners. A formal announcement is forthcoming in October.
On August 10th, I met with regional representatives from Parks Saskatchewan to begin the process to formalize a partnership with Fort Carlton Provincial Park. Our tourism plans are contingent upon our ability to secure a commercial leasing agreement with Parks Saskatchewan for the use and lease of land at the Fort. Their enthusiastic commitment to our project and strong desire to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding left me feeling tremendously excited about our prospects.
What’s Next?
Over the next few weeks, our Tourism Consultant – Glyph Creative, will continue the work of Funding Development for the continued implementation of our Regional Tourism Strategy.
Beginning this fall we will coordinate the delivery of training opportunities to the community for the tourism and hospitality sector. This training will focus on accredited programs delivered in partnership with Tourism Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Tourism Education Council. Tourism Saskatchewan has agreed to provide this training in support of the Indigenous Tourism Corridor project as an in-kind service at no cost to the Nation or community members.
We have submitted an application to speak about our project and have already received confirmations for our sponsorship and attendance. It is my hope that the Indigenous Tourism Corridor partnership will be in a position to announce our agreement, and hopefully announce a major funding agreement with Western Diversification Canada. It is also my hope – at the same time as the International Conference – to sign and announce a MOU with Parks Saskatchewan regarding the commercial lease of land at Fort Carlton.
I will be happy to provide you with a much more detailed report on how our members can benefit from the opportunities that a tourism industry/sector can bring to our people and local entrepreneurs and artists. Please join me on September 12th at our “Spotlight on Tourism” community information session at the Veterans Hall beginning at 5pm.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the Band Office at your earliest convenience.
Kininaskomitinawaw,
Councillor D. Kevin Seesequasis
Beardy’s & Okemasis’ Cree Nation
