Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages

This Notice of Appointment Opportunity is available online in the following languages:
Inuktitut (North Baffin); Michif Cree; Michif French; Mi’kmaq; Western Ojibway;Plains Cree; Oji-Cree; Denesuline and Innu-aimun.


The Indigenous Languages Act established the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages in 2021. The Office is composed of a full-time commissioner and up to three full-time directors, who represent the interests of First Nations, the Inuit and the Métis.

The Office has the mandate and powers to: support the efforts of Indigenous Peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their languages, including sign languages; provide culturally appropriate dispute resolution services and review complaints; promote public awareness of the richness and diversity of Indigenous Peoples; undertake research studies collaboratively with Indigenous Peoples; and provide an annual report on the use and vitality of Indigenous languages in Canada and the adequacy of funding provided by the Government of Canada for initiatives related to Indigenous languages.

Acknowledging that Indigenous Peoples are best situated to lead the efforts in reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining and strengthening their languages, the Office plays a role in facilitating self-determined language initiatives rather than leading efforts in this regard.

The Commissioner of Indigenous Languages acts as a national champion for Indigenous languages by leading the independent Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages and working with Indigenous Peoples, their governments, other governing bodies, communities and organizations, the Government of Canada, Canada’s provinces and territories, and all Canadians in common purpose to support the Indigenous Peoples in reclaiming, revitalizing, maintaining and strengthening their Indigenous languages, including Indigenous sign languages.

While the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages is neither an agent of the Crown nor is it an entity governed by the Financial Administration Act, and its Commissioner, Directors and employees are not part of the Federal Public Administration, the Commissioner provides Annual Reports and annual business plans and budgets to the Minister of Canadian Heritage. The Minister of Canadian Heritage tables these Annual Reports before each House of Parliament.

The Commissioner, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, has the authority to make decisions to fulfill the mandate of the Office as stated above, including the hiring of any employees that are necessary to carry out the activities of the Office and determining the duties of those persons and the conditions of employment, such as remuneration and benefits.

A selection committee will be established to conduct an open, competency-based selection process to identify candidates deemed qualified for consideration for appointment by the Governor in Council. The composition of the selection committee will include First Nations, Inuit and Métis representatives, thereby ensuring the selection of the Commissioner is directly informed by Indigenous perspectives. Representation will strive to be inclusive of diverse Indigenous perspectives (Elders, youth, children, persons with disabilities, women, men and gender-diverse persons and two-spirited persons).

In accordance with the Indigenous Languages Act, before making a recommendation to the Governor in Council in respect of the appointment of the Commissioner, the Minister of Canadian Heritage must consult with Indigenous organizations.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or an acceptable combination of education, job-related training and / or experience.


• A degree in Indigenous governance / law, public administration, linguistics or anthropology would be considered an asset.


• Experience in a senior leadership role in the private, public or not-for-profit sector.


• Experience interacting with federal, provincial and / or territorial governments, non-governmental organizations, and Indigenous Peoples, communities and Indigenous governing bodies, to build relationships and promote partnerships.


• Experience in making decisions on complex and sensitive issues, including the need to balance the interests and rights of a diverse range of stakeholders and Indigenous Peoples.


• Experience in providing dispute resolution services, including mediation and other culturally appropriate services, would be considered an asset.


• Experience with the interpretation or application of legislation or regulations would be considered an asset.


• Experience serving on an Indigenous board or as the head of an Indigenous organization would be considered an asset.


• Senior-level experience in the management of financial and human resources, as well as experience managing the business and affairs of an entity, including reporting obligations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Government of Canada's priorities related to Indigenous Peoples.


• Knowledge of the Indigenous Languages Act, including the mandate, powers, duties and functions of the Office of the Commissioner of Indigenous Languages.


• Knowledge of the rights of Indigenous Peoples (Section 35 of the Constitution Act), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the principles respecting the Government of Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples.


• Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous communities, cultures and the languages and dialects associated with them, including an understanding of language vitality, endangerment and revitalization.


• Awareness of Indigenous knowledge and education systems, as well as the concerns and priorities of Indigenous Peoples as they relate to Indigenous languages, including Indigenous sign languages.


• Understanding of practices and principles underlying dispute resolution services, including mediation and other culturally appropriate services.


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral.


• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders; partners; senior government, non-government and community officials; Indigenous Peoples, their communities and governments; and the media.


• Ability to manage a diversity of competing interests and priorities to perform his or her duties under pressure and tight deadlines.


• Ability to demonstrate leadership and champion innovation in solving problems, building consensus, facilitating the resolution of disputes and adapting to change.


• Ability to negotiate divergent stakeholder and partner positions and achieve positive outcomes on complex issues, taking into account, for example, Indigenous languages and social implications.


• Ability to focus and quickly adapt to changing circumstances.


• Ability to promote, through example, key values such as fairness, transparency, integrity, professionalism, collegiality, and innovation.


• Ability to provide senior leadership, vision, and strategic direction to enable the Office to carry out its mandate, and achieve its objectives.


• Ability to act as a national spokesperson and manage communications and interactions with a variety of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

We recognize the varying degrees of language vitality and critical state of Indigenous languages, as well as the history of discriminatory government policies and practices that contributed to language loss. We will consider proficiency (the ability to speak and/or write and/or understand) in an Indigenous language, and English or French.

You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand an Indigenous language, English and/or French.

Personal Attributes

• High ethical standards, integrity and impartiality


• Sound judgment


• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills


• Leadership


• Collaborative and Flexible


• Collegial

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to providing a healthy and accessible workplace that supports one’s dignity, self-esteem and the ability to achieve one’s full potential. Appointees will be expected to take steps to promote and maintain a healthy, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free work environment.

For this position, preference will be given to Indigenous applicants.

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• All appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout the duration of their appointment.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflict of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, within 60 days of their appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities.


• All appointees are subject to the Terms and conditions applying to Governor in Council appointees. They must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values, principles and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles throughout their time in public office.


• The Appointee must not accept or hold an office or employment that is inconsistent with their duties or take part in any matter that involves the Office and in which they have an interest (statutory).


• The Office is located in the National Capital Region and the responsibilities of the Commissioner as Chief Executive Officer require significant in-person presence. The Appointee must be willing to travel frequently within Canada, including to northern and remote Indigenous communities, and internationally.



 

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit their application package, including their curriculum vitae and a cover letter addressed to the Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, via the Governor in Council Appointments website.

The application review process will begin on March 17, 2026. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by this date. Applications submitted after this date may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made.

To learn more or if you require support or accommodation to submit your online application, please visit the How to apply page on the website. For any other inquiries, please reach out to Amanda Shannon, Acting Director General of the Indigenous Languages Branch (Amanda.Shannon@pch.gc.ca or 819-271-6224).