The Tla’amin Nation is a modern, forward thinking, self-governing nation located on the beautiful upper Sunshine Coast (qathet Region).
Position Summary
Job Type: Full-time, permanent
Hours of Work: 8:30am–4:30pm, Monday to Friday (some evenings and weekends as required)
Reports to: Director of Communications
Department: Communications
The Museum Collections Manager – ʔəms ʔayɛ will lead the development and stewardship of the Tla’amin Museum’s collections and exhibitions. The Tla’amin Museum is envisioned as a living museum, where visitors and Citizens not only interact with treasures from the past but also experience the skills, practices, and teachings being remembered and retaught today.
This role is responsible for establishing the museum both physically and conceptually: setting up systems and standards for collections management, curating exhibitions, and developing education and outreach initiatives. The successful candidate will combine technical museum skills with cultural knowledge, ensuring that the Tla’amin Nation’s belongings are preserved, interpreted, and presented in a way that reflects and respects ʔəms taʔow (our teachings) and strengthens intergenerational learning.
Key Responsibilities
Performs all duties and responsibilities in accordance with Tla’amin policies, standards, practices, and procedures as directed by the Director of Communications. Maintains confidentiality as required pertaining to members, clients, employees, and general matters of the Nation.
Establish and oversee museum collections management systems (software, databases, policies, and procedures).
Catalog, document, and preserve Tla’amin cultural belongings, artworks, archives, and contemporary acquisitions.
Curate permanent and temporary exhibitions, ensuring they reflect the living museum approach where objects, stories, and practices are active teachers.
Develop and implement best practices in storage, conservation, handling, and display of collections.
Work with the Tla’amin Cultural Committee, Tla’amin Elders and community members to ensure exhibits are culturally grounded, inclusive, and support the re-teaching of skills.
Design and deliver educational programs, tours, and outreach activities that connect cultural belongings to living practices, such as weaving, carving, food preparation, drumming, and language.
Support demonstrations, workshops, and hands-on activities in partnership with artists and knowledge keepers, ensuring that traditions are not only displayed but practiced and transmitted.
Build partnerships with schools, universities, and other institutions to create programming that bridges classroom learning with Tla’amin ways of knowing and doing.
Develop interpretive materials that highlight the ongoing vitality of Tla’amin culture, showing how skills and practices continue today.
Train and mentor staff, interns, and volunteers in collections care, interpretation, and the living museum model.
Manage budgets, grants, and reporting related to collections and exhibitions.
Other related duties as required.
Qualifications
Training, Education, Experience
A diploma or bachelor's degree in museum studies, Indigenous studies, history, anthropology, or related fields is a requirement; a graduate-level degree in one of these fields is an asset.
3–5 years’ experience in museum collections management, exhibition curation, or related professional role.
An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Experience setting up and administering collections management software.
Experience creating and delivering public programs, workshops, and community-based education.
Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities, cultural belongings, and heritage projects.
Acceptable Police Information Check prior to employment.
Valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence and acceptable Driving Record.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Strong knowledge of Tla’amin history, culture, and revitalization priorities.
Understanding of living museum concepts, where cultural belongings and practices are reanimated through teaching and use.
Experience with collections documentation standards (e.g., cataloging, metadata, accessioning).
Strong pre-existing relationships, or ability to cultivate and maintain relationships for working with Tla’amin Elders.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and project management skills.
Moderate to advanced computer proficiency (collections software, database tools, Microsoft Office/Google Suite).
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a community setting.
Working Conditions
Work is performed primarily in a museum and office environment. Occasional travel and evening/weekend work may be required to support community engagement, exhibitions, and events.
How to Apply
Please apply by uploading your resume and cover letter to: https://tlaaminfirst.bamboohr.com/careers/277
Or
Drop-off/mail Attention: Human Resources Department, Tla’amin Nation, 4779 Klahanie Rd, qathet BC, V8A 0C4
This posting will be open until the position is filled.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.
