Indigenous Programmer for National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations in Burnaby
/Organization:
City of Burnaby
Deadline:
Feb. 7, 2025
Organization Description:
At the City of Burnaby, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that authentically mirrors the vibrant community we proudly serve. We consistently embrace diversity and endeavor to build an inclusive workforce that celebrates the richness of our community. We warmly welcome applicants of all genders, ages, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, sexual orientations, and life experiences to join us in shaping a more vibrant and equitable future together.
Website:
Job Description:
The City of Burnaby operates on the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Peoples and we are seeking an Indigenous programmer for the planning of Burnaby’s annual National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrations on June 21. We would like to engage an individual to help with programming for this celebration of Indigenous Peoples and culture on whose unceded territory the City of Burnaby is now located.
Project Summary
•The City has hosted a National Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration since 2017 for all citizens in Burnaby to enjoy featuring dance, spoken word, storytelling, food, and artisans, which has grown and evolved over time.
•The National Indigenous Peoples Day planning and production event team is currently comprised of Burnaby staff (both Indigenous and settlers) from the Parks, Recreation and Culture department and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation division.
•The City is committed to working with host Nations to find new ways to build and improve relationships between non-Indigenous Canadians and Indigenous Peoples.
•We want to be intentional about connecting with host Nations and celebrating Indigenous culture and language.
Responsibilities:
The City is seeking an Indigenous programmer to guide the planning for National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations scheduled for June 21, 2025 between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm at Civic Square (adjacent to the Bob Prittie Metrotown Library) at 6100 Willingdon Ave. This work will be done in collaboration with Burnaby staff (both Indigenous and settlers) from the Parks, Recreation and Culture department and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation division. We wish to work closely with the host Nations to ensure the event reflects their priorities and interests. We are seeking an individual who can deliver on the following scope of work in support of the event:
• Curating and Programming Main Stage Entertainment
o 5-6 performances that include dance, spoken word and contemporary music
o A proposed stage schedule will be provided by City staff; however, alternative stage schedules will be considered at the recommendation of the programmer
o Hiring a host/MC to introduce the performances and provide event/celebration context throughout the day
o Drafting a script for the MC with support from City staff
o Facilitating relationships between the performers and City staff as it relates to provision of technical equipment and artist needs
• Curating an Indigenous Marketplace
o 10-15 vendors providing a variety of products
Note: Tents, tables, chairs and other infrastructure will be provided to the vendors at no cost
• Collaborating with City Staff to bring in Community Groups
o 2-6 organizations serving the Indigenous population in Burnaby
Note: Tents, tables, chairs and other infrastructure for these groups will be provided at no cost
o Opportunities exist for both informational booths and activities, depending on the groups engaged Note: The City of Burnaby has an existing relationship with Hope and Health and other organizations who are planning to return in 2025
• Recommendations and introductions to Food Vendors
o Seeking 1-2 Indigenous food vendors (preference for licensed food trucks, but support with licensing is available)
o Securing a supplier for Bannock to be distributed for free to all attendees
• Collaboration on Marketing and Promotion
o Assist City staff in the development of a press release, social media content, and other marketing elements as required
o Assist in facilitating collection of bios and images from performers, vendors and community groups for use in marketing
o Potential media interviews pending the comfort level of the individual
Note: Existing graphics commissioned from Ocean Hyland and Cole Sparrow-Crawford form the visual identity for the event
•Attendance at pre-event planning meetings
o Meetings are held monthly via MS Teams
o An in-person introductory meeting will be scheduled to connect the programmer with the city staff committee
o Meetings with event liaisons via MS Teams to provide updates
•Contribution to event safety planning
o Recommendations to ensure cultural safety for participants to be implemented by City staff and/or contractors
•Assisting with training of City of Burnaby volunteers who will be supporting the event activities
•Day of Event Support
o Attendance at the event to support the artists, artisans, and other partners/participants
•Wrap up and Documentation
o Participation in post-event de-brief meeting
o Contribution to wrap up report
Excluded from the scope of work are the following:
• Performer and vendor contracting
• Site Management and design
o City of Burnaby staff and contractors will ensure that appropriate equipment is installed on site
• Volunteer management
• Burnaby Village Museum event contributions Note: Burnaby Village Museum’s event contributions are lead by Nicole Preissl, Indigenous Education Programmer
Qualifications:
We are looking for an individual who has connections with each of the host Nations: xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations, as well as representation from Indigenous Peoples living in Burnaby.
The selected individual will be paid $10,000 to support the planning and production team in connecting with artists, vendors and planning other elements of the event.
How to Apply:
We are proposing engagement would begin as early as February 2025. We recognize that this is a very short timeline, so the engagement can be flexible to support the needs of those involved. Those interested, please submit through email a letter of interest of up to two (2) pages that include the following:
•A description of yourself and why you are interested in this opportunity
•Your experience working with and/or liaising with the host Nations on whose territories the City of Burnaby is now located, Indigenous Peoples living away from their home communities, and other relevant external contacts.
•Your experience planning events and/or learning opportunities for the public related to Indigenous Peoples (artistic and programming)
Please attach a copy of your resume or Curriculum Vitae to the letter of interest.
Deadline: February 7, 2025 at midnight (Pacific Standard Time)
Email proposal to: celebrate@burnaby.ca
Subject line: Indigenous Programmer NIPD
Remuneration:
Contract: $10,000
Contact Name: David Chinn
Contact Email: david.chinn@burnaby.ca
Contact Phone: (604) 205-3004
