Firekeeper-Wiigiwaaminaan

The Firekeeper is part of the Atlohsa Giwetashkad team, which provides compassionate support to community members experiencing homelessness and “in the moment” behaviors. Using a Wholistic Indigenous-led approach to principles of Harm Reduction and Housing First, the Firekeeper will offer compassionate, assertive care and support to community members who may be experiencing homelessness, social stigma, mental health, and substance use.

The Firekeeper's main role is to provide community members who are unsheltered culturally appropriate services while providing a safe space for them to receive rest, food, and engagement. The Firekeeper works primarily outdoors at the teepee, taking care of the fire and creating a welcoming and safe space for Wiiigwaminaan participants. The goal of the Firekeeper is to maintain confidentiality of all participants and documents of the Giwetashkad program and will work in a fast-paced, unpredictable environment. This may include providing lay counselling, using assessment tools, and proactively intervening when crisis or conflict arises; which may include aggressive or disruptive “in the moment” behavior due to substance use, mental health challenges, or trauma. The Firekeeper will record accurate and detailed shift notes and must be able to provide clear, concise, objective communication regarding community members engaging within the Giwetashkad program (Wiigiwaaminaan, Outreach, Rapid-Re-Housing, and Supportive housing). The Firekeeper will work to ensure that Atlohsa Family Healing Services is a safe space for all community members accessing services and programming by referring community members to more appropriate locations if the need arises.

Job Duties:

1. Actively engage with community members who are experiencing homelessness.
2. Take care of the teepee and fire pit space, including medicines, tools, wood, and other cultural items.
3. Ensure the safety of participants at the fire.
4. Assess the needs of community members for immediate shelter, food, and rest.
5. Build relationships and rapport with those experiencing homelessness to create base levels of case management to achieve the goal of permanent housing.
6. Communicate with SJHC Facilities, the London Fire Department, and Atlohsa management as needed to ensure site safety.
7. Support ceremonies on site at Wiigiwaminaan, including sweat lodge.
8. Perform manual labor such as cutting and stacking wood.
9. Keep concise, accurate, and objective log notes.
10. Liaise and work collaboratively with community partners and other service agencies.
11. Implement and enforce professional boundaries.
12. Use assertive engagement in aspects of work, including assertive advocacy for vulnerable community members who may be experiencing social stigma, racism, isolation, and substance use challenges.