Position: Cultural Coordinator

Department: Programs

Salary: Dependent upon qualifications and successful probationary period

Term: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Responsible To: Executive Director

Posting Date: March 4, 2025 – Posting will remain open until filled.

Position Summary: The Cultural Coordinator will work under the direction of the Executive Director and is part of the Programs Team at Wiigwas Elder and Senior Care.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Ensure all cultural protocols are adhered to in the planning and implementation of all programming;
  • Lead, with input from the Elders Council, Wiigwas staff and communities, the development of the terms of reference for the Wiigwas cultural program, including cultural integration of all programs;
  • Lead the implementation of the Wiigwas cultural program and building cultural capacity of all Wiigwas staff in the following areas:
    • Assist all staff in assessing individuals and families requesting Anishinaabe healing;
    • Assist all staff in the provision of culturally relevant and appropriate services;
    • Promote healthy lifestyles by conducting/facilitating healing circles, other Anishinaabe ways of healing and support to clients and staff;
    • Assist all staff in their own self care to work towards balance in functioning physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually;
    • Provide all new staff with a cultural orientation (traditional teachings around offering tobacco, smudging, when women wear skirts, protocols around moon time, introduction to the KCA drum, etc.)
  • Keep records of activities and lists of participants to ensure accurate reporting;
  • Provide and/or facilitate training in Anishinaabe ways (traditional cultural teachings and healing methodologies) to Wiigwas staff;
  • Provide and/or facilitate cultural presentations and education to individuals, families and communities and ensure clients are aware of the cultural resources available to maintain their cultural identities and practices;
  • Recruits for and maintains a roster of Anishinaabe healers;
  • Arrange and attend Elders Council as requested;
  • Assist in the planning and preparation of annual seasonal ceremonies;
  • Lead or participate in traditional or spiritual practices for meetings or cultural activities as required.

Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with First Nation community members and leadership;
  • Excellent group facilitation skills;
  • Demonstrated maturity;
  • Strong advocate of First Nation people;
  • Must have demonstrated ability to work with First Nations as well as health and social service agencies;
  • Must demonstrate the ability to respond calmly and appropriately in emotional situations;
  • Ability to work independently and in a team setting;
  • Excellent skills in the following areas: organization, networking, interpersonal, presentation and communication (written & oral);
  • Experience working with and knowledge of Indian Residential School survivors;
  • Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language and experience working in First Nation communities;
  • Current satisfactory Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector;
  • Satisfactory TB screening;
  • Valid driver’s license and vehicle;
  • Understanding of the Anishinaabe language (Ojibway) is an asset.

Please forward resume and cover letter to careers@wiigwas.org

To Apply:
Interested candidates should forward their resume, cover letter and 3 references in confidence to careers@wiigwas.org
Wiigwas Elder and Senior Care
Human Resource Department
237 Lakeview Drive
Kenora, ON P9N 4J7

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.