Wiidookaa-Gagewi Cultural Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

Siloam Mission recognizes that racism and colonialism – past and present – are contributors to disproportionate experiences of poverty and homelessness by Indigenous peoples. These same factors create barriers to employment for historically, persistently and systemically marginalized groups.

Our pursuit towards a Winnipeg without chronic homelessness must include an anti-racist and decolonial framework. As such, Siloam Mission is committed to building diversity, equity and inclusion into our board, staff team and volunteers. To advance this goal, we recognize the value in supporting growth in Indigenous leadership in a broad range of expertise, knowledge and skills.

The Wiidookaa-Gagewi Cultural Coordinator is integral to advancing Siloam’s Truth and Reconciliation Strategy. As such, Cultural Coordinators will be designated progressive responsibility over special projects and/or tasks that connect Siloam to Indigenous practices. In addition to learning within the workplace, formal training opportunities in Indigenous Leadership will be made available to the individual candidates which align with their career objectives.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Administration

• Assist the Community Wellness team in maintaining the Indigenous Resource Library through research, assessment, acquiring and care for Indigenous cultural and educational resources
• Create, update and maintain an attendance schedule for Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, advising Knowledge Keepers and Elders of monthly functions and coordinating logistics for Elders for each engagement both on-site and off-site when necessary
• Maintain cleanliness, traditional medicines and supplies for Na a way Ishkode (Centre Fire) and Spiritual Wellness programs
• Assist the Community Wellness team with providing insight and support in the development of protocols and best practices for Indigenous engagement within Siloam Mission
• Assist Director of Community Wellness and Spiritual Care Coordinator on tracking data and statistical information and preparing internal reports as required
• Provide administrative support for internal and sector committees where directed

Community Programming and Connections

• Foster relationships with Knowledge Keepers/Elders and create/maintain a Knowledge resource/directory for on-going Indigenous programming
• Assist with creating an effective and supportive connection between Indigenous/non-Indigenous service providers and community supports in order to expand community access to cultural programming
• Work with the Director of Community Wellness on strategies to foster connections between community members and their home community and/or broader community supports

Event Coordination

• Assist the Community Wellness team in planning community and/or seasonal celebrations/feasts/events and organizing workshops for Siloam Mission staff and community members
• Assist the Director of Community Wellness in coordinating Indigenous-led events, such as, National Indigenous Day, National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, youth gatherings, Indigenous Open Houses, land-based learning events, or conferences
• Build and nurture positive relationships with current and potential Indigenous partners for the purposes of joint initiatives, voluntarism, fund development and to elevate the profile of the Siloam in the community
• Assist with tours of businesses and individuals that come to volunteer and highlight the work of Siloam Mission’s Truth and Reconciliation strategy
• Ensure all Siloam Mission's Indigenous events are communicated effectively both internally and externally in order to maximize their return
• Develop and implement a measurement system in order to evaluate the benefit of these Siloam's events

Communications

• Assist the Community Wellness team to support communications by developing key messages on Indigenous materials, assisting with organizing press conferences, writing media releases and other related material
• Work to ensure consistency of branding and messaging for all communications related to Siloam’s Truth and Reconciliation Strat
• Assist with coordinating Indigenous Employees Circle meetings and provide content for Siloam’s blog and/or Siloam’s 30 Days of Reconciliation and Learning;
• Monitor media for relevant news stories and identify new opportunities to promote Indigenous awareness for staff and volunteers through current issues;
• Assist with designing print publications, including brochures, newsletters, and Indigenous-led event promotional materials;
• Regularly gather, compile or edit testimonials, stories and photographs and conduct interviews to be used in communications and promotional materials in relation to Siloam’s Truth and Reconciliation Strategy;
• Assist the Community Wellness team with reviewing/updating the Truth and Reconciliation web site content to ensure information is current, contact the appropriate persons as updating is required and write or edit copy as needed

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers and an understanding of Indigenous culture, spiritual care, traditions and history.
• An interest in special event planning, public relations and/or project management;
• A valid 5F driver’s license, a clear driver abstract, a reliable vehicle and the ability to travel is an asset;
• Experience working with the Indigenous community in a non-profit organization is ideal;
• Clear Vulnerable Sector Check and Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check will be required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/BEHAVIORS

• Knowledge of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools, intergenerational healing practices and trauma informed practices;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to work well with and builds successful working relationships with internal and external partners and Indigenous community;
• Ability to work independently, and positively contribute to the team;
• Confident, dynamic, and a results-oriented professional who can exercise strong judgment when balancing multiple priorities with overlapping deadlines;
• Ability to exercise good judgement, show initiative and be proactive;

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hours of work: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm with occasional evenings and weekends;
• Office environment;
• Frequent off-site events;
• Hazardous conditions could potentially include unpredictable or risky behaviours from community members;

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

The incumbent contributes to making the organization safe for clients and staff and recognizes the importance of reporting unsafe situations and participating in follow up reviews as a learning opportunity.

• Provides a safe environment by ensuring adherences to Workplace Safety and Health
• Regulations and Policies, Infection Control Guidelines, WHMIS and Safe Work Procedures. Immediately investigates and recommends corrective action on any unsafe acts, work conditions, incidents, near misses, injuries or illnesses.
• Demonstrates understanding of role and responsibilities in fire prevention and disaster preparedness and participates in safety and health training programs including the facility’s Fire, Disaster and Evacuation Plan.
• Supports an environment which avoids, prevents and corrects all activities or actions which may result in an adverse outcome in the delivery of services. Community Member safety is a standing item for all individual and departmental meetings.