Pacific Mountain Regional Council is seeking an individual to fill the role of First Third Ministry Animator for Indigenous, Racialized, and Diaspora Communities for a three-year term at 50% time, 17.5 hours per week.

Pacific Mountain Regional Council (PMRC), as part of the wider United Church of Canada, is a decision-making body responsible to serve and support Communities of Faith within its bounds and provide necessary oversight. PMRC is home to vibrant Indigenous and diaspora communities of faith—communities formed by people with rich spiritual, cultural, and lived experience, including those who maintain solid ties to their heritage while living faithfully within the Christian tradition. Despite this richness, ministry with Indigenous, racialized, and diaspora communities—particularly among people in the first third of life (birth through approximately age 30)—is often fragmented or under-supported.

Position Purpose:

This position focuses on strengthening engagement, belonging, and leadership pathways for Indigenous, racialized, and diaspora children, youth, and young adults within PMRC. Rooted in trauma‑informed, culturally respectful, and intercultural practices, the role seeks to listen deeply to communities, honour cultural protocols, and support ministry shaped by the voices, wisdom, and leadership of those most impacted.

As a member of the First Third Ministry team, the Animator works collaboratively with other Animators, regional staff, communities of faith, and ministry partners to strengthen participation and belonging within the wider life of First Third Ministry.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Relationship Building (50%)

- Build and sustain respectful,



trust-based relationships with Indigenous and intercultural Elders, knowledge keepers, ministry leaders, and community partners.
- Listen to Elders and community leaders to understand the hopes, needs, gifts, and priorities of their children, youth, and young adults.
- Work collaboratively with Elders and leaders to create culturally safe, spiritually meaningful, and accessible opportunities for young people to connect, belong, and participate.
- Honour cultural protocols, community knowledge, and appropriate practices for inviting, involving, and compensating Elders and leaders.
- Strengthen connections among young people, families, communities of faith, and regional networks to support ongoing relationships and shared ministry.

Leadership Development of Young People (40%)

- Support Elders and leaders in identifying, mentoring, and encouraging emerging young leaders within their communities.
- Create opportunities for emerging young leaders to contribute their skills, gifts, and perspectives to events and ministries, including camps.
- Support ministries within The United Church of Canada in preparing to connect meaningfully with Indigenous and racialized young people, understand and address the needs, barriers, and complexities they may experience in predominantly white workplaces and ministry settings, and create culturally safe environments where they can learn, grow, belong,



and offer their gifts.
- Collaborate with communities, emerging young leaders, and the First Third Ministry team to plan, facilitate, and evaluate culturally responsive gatherings, retreats, camps, worship, and other ministry opportunities that reflect community-identified priorities.

Reporting & Communication (10%)

- 0Maintain regular communication with communities of faith, ministry leadership and supervisory staff,
- Coordinate assigned ministry activities in accordance with First Third Ministry planning, budgeting, safeguarding, screening, privacy, and reporting procedures
- Present findings and progress reports to PMRC leadership and First Third networks.
- Document outcomes and learnings for future ministry planning.
- Share stories, ideas, reflections through First Third communication channels including social media, e-newsletters and the website.

Qualifications

- Post-secondary education in theology, ministry, education, youth work, social sciences, community development, Indigenous studies, intercultural studies, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and lived experience.
- Training in trauma-informed practice, anti-racism, reconciliation, cultural safety, or youth leadership development is an asset.
- 2–3 years of related experience in youth ministry, community development, education, intercultural ministry, or community-based engagement.
- Demonstrated experience building respectful relationships with Indigenous, racialized, and diaspora communities, including Elders, knowledge keepers, leaders, families, and young people.
- Experience supporting children, youth, and young adults through mentoring,

📌 First 3rd Ministry Animator Indigenous, Racialised (Burnaby)
🏢 United Church
📍 Burnaby