by Ethan Paquet
The Native Council of PEI (NCPEI) represents Indigenous peoples living off-reserve on PEI. Through a strong political and structured organization, they aim to be an effective voice for the Indigenous community, while also educating all Islanders on Indigenous issues.
Their services, programs and initiatives are in place to help positively impact the lives of Off-Reserve Indigenous People on PEI.
“Our purpose is to use our programs and services to advance our membership’s lives,” says Mary-Lynn Blanchard, HR Administrator. “This is done by improving social and economic conditions, making connections to culture, offering educational and employment supports, assisting with housing, mental health and addictions, and more.
“The Indigenous community continues to cope with intergenerational trauma resulting from Residential Schools, the 60s Scoop, and other colonial injustices. Our programs are designed to give back to the community what was lost and provide opportunities to heal. Our programs and services are offered to people who are vulnerable and have experienced trauma in their lives.”
NCPEI has three locations: The Policy/Research and Administrative Office at 6 FJ McAulay Court in Charlottetown, the new Programming Office at 614 North River Road, and the Environmental Office at 35262 Western Road in Portage PEI.
“Our first building was not large enough to accommodate all staff and programs while still providing community space. We also quickly outgrew our second space. The new location will house program staff and provide space for programs to be delivered and community members to gather.”
Hiring needs
Employment through NCPEI is typically through contract or temporary positions. There are currently 40 staff members working in areas such as Policy and Research, Housing, Addictions and Mental Health, Education and Training, Reconciliation and Cultural Revitalization, Youth and Elder Support, Justice, and Environment.
“Our organization is growing quickly and has doubled in size over the course of a year. We have several open positions and are almost always seeking individuals in the Addictions and Mental Health area.
“We offer a very flexible and adaptable work environment, especially with what’s going on with the current COVID-19 situation. We make it very easy to work from home if needed,” Mary-Lynn says.
Wages and benefits
“Most positions start at $18 to $20 per hour, and benefits include medical and dental coverage, vacation time, and 16 paid holidays each year.” More information about wages and benefits can be found in the job description for each open position.
Skills and experience needed
“While each position requires a different level of skills and qualifications, the ideal candidate for any position will have empathy and experience working with vulnerable populations,” she says.
“An individual who is looking at working with us must be compassionate and empathetic first and foremost. Administrative skills are considered an asset, as there is reporting and document management with all of our open positions.”
NCPEI was part of a job fair hosted by the UPEI Experiential Education department. For a complete list of employers who attended and their hiring needs, click here.
HOW TO APPLY
All open positions can be found on WorkPEI and at www.ncpei.com/employment or through Facebook. Resumés and cover letters can be sent to humanresources@ncpei.com
