Jeff Samuel
About Jeff Samuel
Jeff Samuel serves as the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator for the Government of Canada in Kamloops, British Columbia, a position he has held since 2020. He specializes in economic development initiatives for First Nations communities and has a strong background in collaborative engagement with Indigenous groups.
Work at Government of Canada
Jeff Samuel serves as the Indigenous Engagement Coordinator at the Government of Canada since 2020. In this role, he focuses on fostering relationships and facilitating engagement with Indigenous communities. His work is centered in Kamloops, British Columbia, where he has been instrumental in promoting collaborative initiatives that support Indigenous interests and rights.
Previous Experience in Indigenous Relations
Prior to his current position, Jeff Samuel worked as a First Nations Relations Advisor at the Government of British Columbia from 2017 to 2020. This role involved engaging with First Nations and Bands in Vernon, BC, where he emphasized informed consent and decision-making processes. His experience in this capacity contributed to his understanding of the complexities involved in Indigenous relations.
Education and Expertise
Jeff Samuel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Victoria, which he completed from 2001 to 2007. He furthered his education at the University of Waterloo, earning a Master of Applied Environmental Studies with a focus on Local Economic Development from 2009 to 2012. His academic background supports his specialization in economic development initiatives that benefit First Nations communities.
Career in Project Management
Jeff Samuel has a background in project management, having worked at CopperMoon Communications and The Castlemain Group from 2013 to 2017. In these roles, he managed various projects in the Vancouver area, developing skills that are applicable to his current work in Indigenous engagement. Additionally, he served as a Researcher/Analyst at the City of Kitchener for five months in 2011.
Experience with First Nations Communities
Jeff Samuel has extensive experience working directly with First Nations and Bands across British Columbia. His work emphasizes the importance of informed consent and collaborative engagement, reflecting his passion for creating real change within Indigenous communities. This experience informs his approach as an Indigenous Engagement Coordinator.