About the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages (OCIL) The Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages is dedicated to promoting and championing Indigenous languages by supporting the efforts of Indigenous Peoples across Canada to reclaim, revitalize, maintain, and strengthen their languages. Our national team is passionate about our work, and the difference we make with the research, resources and innovation we develop collaboratively with partners and share with Indigenous communities. We have policies in place to ensure a welcoming, safe and respectful workplace, as well as rigorous standards for transparency and accountability. Our Vision: All Indigenous languages in Canada are safe, vibrant, and thriving. Our Guiding Principles 1. There is an urgent need for concerted efforts and investments toward the revitalization of Indigenous languages to arrest and reverse the erosion that has already occurred. Research shows that no Indigenous language in Canada is safe and that all are in varying stages of endangerment. 2. Indigenous languages are fundamental to the identities, cultures, spirituality, relationships to the land, worldviews, and self-determination of Indigenous peoples. 3. Indigenous languages have and continue to contribute to the strength of Canada as a whole, including biodiversity and the richness of linguistic and cultural heritage. The Commission is committed to protecting the vitality of all Indigenous languages, including sign languages and sleeping languages. We welcome interest from qualified candidates as we expand our national team to launch new, exciting projects and to meet growing organizational needs.

About the Role
The Senior Policy Advisor provides strategic leadership and supports OCIL's mandate to advance Indigenous language preservation, revitalization, reclamation,



and promotion across Canada. The position leads complex research initiatives, develops research frameworks and methodologies, coordinates partnerships, and ensures excellence in support of organizational priorities and legislative obligations. We are currently accepting candidates as we have this position opening across the following departments: Innovation Hub: advances Indigenous language revitalization through cutting-edge approaches, emerging technologies, partnerships, and community-driven solutions. Dispute Resolution: supports the Commission’s responsibilities under the Indigenous Languages Act by providing mediation and other culturally appropriate approaches to resolving disputes related to Indigenous languages. The department also supports the Commissioner in reviewing complaints and delivers its work through processes designed to be culturally respectful, trauma-informed, and responsive to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis realities. National Center: advances the Commission’s mandate and coordinating its interconnected departmental hubs.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Research Leadership
- Lead the design and implementation of national research projects and initiatives.
- Develop research frameworks, methodologies, standards, and work plans.
- Provide strategic advice on Indigenous language research trends, priorities, and opportunities.




- Identify research gaps and emerging issues affecting Indigenous languages and language revitalization.
- Contribute to the development of annual and multi-year research agendas.
- Works effectively across teams and contributes to Knowledge Hub and organizational priorities. Research Project Management
- Lead and oversee multiple research projects from planning through completion.
- Coordinate internal and external researchers, consultants, contractors, and partners.
- Monitor project timelines, budgets, deliverables, and performance measures.
- Ensure projects align with OCIL priorities, strategic plans, and Indigenous community needs.
- Support the development of project charters and partnership agreements. Indigenous Language Research and Analysis
- Conduct and oversee qualitative, quantitative, and Indigenous methodologies.
- Synthesize evidence from multiple sources into actionable findings.
- Analyze trends related to language vitality, demographics, language documentation, mapping, and emerging technologies.
- Support research related to Indigenous Languages Act reporting requirements.
- Develop reports, briefing materials, position papers, and recommendations. Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance
- Promote and apply principles of Indigenous data sovereignty, ownership, access, control, and stewardship.
- Ensure ethical, culturally appropriate, and community-centered research practices.
- Advise on research governance frameworks and protocols.
- Support the respectful collection, management, sharing, and use of Indigenous language data. Partnerships and Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous governments, organizations, communities, academic institutions, and research networks.

📌 Senior Policy Advisor (Canada)
🏢 Office Of The Commissioner Of Indigenous Languages
📍 Canada