RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE - COLLIN FAUBERT

Describe your job in just under four sentences.

I am a federal negotiator and work at the Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada. I negotiate comprehensive land claims and self-government agreements on behalf of the Government of Canada and am currently leading negotiations with the Algonquins of Ontario.

Collin Faubert
Lead Negotiator, Department of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
Temagami First Nation

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/collin-faubert-974455b0

Why did you start working in your industry?

As Aboriginal people, we all have an increased interest in issues that directly affect us. My first opportunity to explore these issues was during my studies at Cambrian College where I graduated with a diploma in First Nation Lands Management and Administration.

To be honest, from college on, a series of events led to me joining the industry. While I was attending the University of Ottawa, I was a student advisor in their Aboriginal Resource Centre and one of my roles was showing students how to apply to the Federal government for student jobs. I submitted my own resume and was offered a summer student position. At the end of the summer I was presented with the opportunity to join the public service at an entry level position. One thing led to another and I am now a federal negotiator.

What do you enjoy the most about your job? What aspect makes you learn the most while on the job?

One of the best things about my job is travelling to Aboriginal communities and meeting incredible people. I have been fortunate enough to get to travel all across Canada and often to places one would not typically get to visit. For me, meeting the people directly affected by the negotiations is one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences. It allows me to see and hear first-hand how the work I do can benefit their communities.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I enjoy the work that I do and could see myself still working here contributing to a renewed relationship between government and Indigenous peoples, influencing policy, and hopefully inspiring others to enter this line of work. Since I find negotiations to be a concrete example of reconciliation, I would be more than happy to continue in this field.

What does success look like to you?

Success is many things but overall, success for me is daily and linked to knowing that I did my best and tried my hardest to make a difference.

What has been the most outstanding moment thus far in your career?

Since joining my negotiation team, I have worked my way up and held several roles over the years. I am very proud to say that I worked hard and am now the lead federal negotiator. Achieving my current position has provided me the opportunity to take the message out to the public about the work I’m doing and helping change perceptions while at the same time influencing policy and programming for Aboriginal people.

Do you volunteer? If so, where and why is that important to you?

I am not currently doing formal volunteer work via an established organization. I chose instead to invest in those surrounding me and am happy to say that I make a series of smaller actions that benefit individuals directly. Sometimes I am a mentor, while other times I am helping family and anyone else in any way I can.

Do you have any advice for other Indigenous professionals in Canada?

The best advice I would have, is to choose an occupation that makes you and/or others happy. I encourage all my peers to choose a career area that would benefit from increased Aboriginal perspective. Together, we can make a difference.

What do you think is the most unique challenge for an Indigenous person in your industries?

I would say the most challenging question I get asked is: “as an Aboriginal person, why do you want to work for the federal government and not work for your people?” The question comes from family, folks back home, and Indigenous partners who sit across from me at the negotiation table. It is the same question I had for myself when I first started with the federal government.

My answer to that is: I feel that having Aboriginal people involved in developing and implementing policies and programming meant for Aboriginal peoples can only be beneficial. While working at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, I have had nothing but positive experiences. The opportunities which have been made available to me have allowed me to grow as a professional and develop a wide range of skills.

What made you interested in joining the Indigenous Professional Association of Canada and why would you encourage others to join?

I always look for new ways to network and meet other professionals. IPAC is an excellent forum to share unique perspectives and experiences with each other. Having access to a wide range of peers allows a member to be part of a community which helps assist with managing and overcoming challenges and celebrating our many successes.