employment opportunities

Research Associate (Application Period Closed)

Location: Remote

Reports to: Executive Director

Position Type: Full-Time Contractor (1-Year Term)

Salary Range: $70,000.00

Job Summary

The Research Associate will support both CFNG to deliver research activities under the Rebuilding First Nations Governance (RFNG) Project to advance the self-determination goals of partner First Nations communities and promote greater understanding of the issues and challenges of transitioning from Indian Act governance to self-government under the Inherent Right to self-government. This role is integral to supporting, documenting and learning from the inherent rights journey of our partners using applied, Indigenous-led research practices.

About CFNG and the RFNG Project

The Centre for First Nations Governance (CFNG) is a national Indigenous-led nonprofit organization that supports First Nations in reclaiming their inherent rights and revitalizing their systems of governance. CFNG provides tools, research, and facilitation services that help First Nations move beyond the Indian Act and advance their nation-building efforts. CFNG invests in collaborative, applied research to ensure First Nations have access to relevant, impactful resources that reflect their priorities and leadership.

In 2020, CFNG became the founding partner of the Rebuilding First Nations Governance (RFNG) project, a national, multi-year research partnership co-led with Carleton University and funded in part by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Grounded in priorities identified by CFNG through its work with community leaders and citizens, the RFNG project brings together university researchers and Nations across the country to support the transition to self-government through applied, community-driven research, policy development, and implementation support. Through the RFNG partnership, CFNG works to deepen understanding of what it takes for First Nations to reclaim jurisdiction, restore Indigenous law, and exercise their inherent right to self-government.

Key Responsibilities

Research

  • Successful candidates will be expected to lead and/or contribute to ongoing research activities as assigned by the CFNG Executive Director and RFNG’s Principal Investigator, including literature reviews, data analysis and primary research; writing reports and/or producing other materials to communicate the results of the work to a First Nations audience.
  • The Research Associate will also be assigned to work collaboratively with one or more community partners to document and reflect on their inherent rights journey; the results of which will contribute to a nation-wide understanding of the opportunities and challenges for the transition to self-government. This work must be substantially completed within the 12 months of the contract.
  • The work will involve some travel to partner communities, relationship building, and working collaboratively with other researchers, staff and community members.

Team Collaboration and Reporting Responsibilities

The Research Associate is also expected to be a contributing member to both the CFNG and RFNG teams including through their good supervision and support of student researchers.  They will also be expected to:

  • Attend regularly scheduled meetings
  • Provide regular written and verbal updates on their work

Research Funding

  • Assisting with future research proposals

Qualifications

Education and Experience

  • Master’s degree required. PhD in progress preferred, or equivalent experience in Indigenous governance, legal research, or community-based research
  • Successful candidates must complete the First Nations Principles of OCAP® Certificate program and TCPS 2: Core Certificate before commencing work
  • 1-2 years’ experience in community-based research is an asset
  • Indigenous applicants with lived experience and/or community-based knowledge are strongly encouraged to apply

Skills and Competencies

  • Proven ability to engage with Indigenous communities in a respectful, culturally safe, and reciprocal manner
  • Ability to work collaboratively and build consensus among diverse groups
  • Ability to synthesize research findings and communicate them clearly to both academic and community audiences, including through reports, presentations, and visual materials
  • Familiarity with Indigenous legal orders, governance systems, and inherent rights
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and coordinate logistics across diverse teams and communities
  • Skilled in qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups, story gathering), and familiar with Indigenous research methodologies and ethics
  • Quantitative research skills an asset
  • Ability to reflect on personal biases and positionality when conducting research in Indigenous contexts
  • Strong technical writing skills, with the ability to produce clear, accurate, and compelling narratives for publication
  • Awareness of intergenerational trauma and how to approach sensitive topics with care and respect
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint and Word), Zoom, and Google Drive.

Additional Information

  • Some travel may be required. This position offers flexibility in work hours and respects cultural and community obligations
  • Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends as needed.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter, a written work sample, and three references to Mason Ducharme, Executive Director at mducharme@fngovernance.org by July 30, 2025.

Join us at CFNG and make a meaningful impact on the governance and self-determination of First Nations communities.

Centre for First Nations Governance (CFNG) is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from First Nations, Métis and Inuit.