Cultural Coordinator

**BACKGROUND**

Nightwind Treatment Centre currently operates three inpatient treatment facilities for youth. We are trauma-informed and integrate indigenous healing into our treatment program. We are accredited by the Canadian Accreditation Council and proud to be dual licensed as a Residential Facility under the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, and a Residential Addiction Treatment Service under the Mental Health Services Protection Act.

**Kihew House, Sturgeon County**
- 9-bed, Rural Treatment Program for young women ages 12-18;
- Treatment program supporting abuse history, substance abuse, and conflict;
- Trauma-informed care integrated into the program;
- Focus on indigenous cultural teachings and experiences as the foundation of our four-stage treatment, which is aligned with the medicine wheel and seven sacred teachings.

**Stony Creek, Tawatinaw Valley**
- 7-bed, Rural Co-Ed Receiving Program for youth ages 12-22;
- Receiving program for youth in preparation for treatment;
- Trauma-informed care integrated into the program;
- Focus on healing and skill-building through agricultural programming, connecting with nature, outdoor education, and physical fitness activities.

**Grandmother Turtle House, Westlock**
- 4-bed, TSIL Program for young women 15-22;
- Transition to a Semi-Independent Living program for stabilized young women;
- Trauma-informed care integrated into the program;
- Focus on daily living skills, school success, employment and transitioning to independent living.

**Job Purpose**

The Cultural Coordinator provides direct service to persons served and engages them in the planning and execution of cultural teachings and experiences.

**Duties & Responsibilities**

**Attitudes**
- Maintain the philosophy that “every child will do well if they can.”
- Utilize a trauma-informed approach by maintaining healthy relationships with colleagues and persons served and the effective prevention and resolution of conflict Demonstrate cultural teachings and experiences as part of the healing process.

**Environment**
- Maintain a culture of learning, professional growth, trauma-informed]\0 practice, cultural relevance and overall focus on healing and treatment for persons-served

**Person-Served Support**
- Perform all job duties per the NWTC Code of Conduct and Child and Youth Care Association Ethical guidelines.
- Complete pre and post-shift debrief with colleagues
- Ensure persons served are maintaining a healthy routine, including school, cultural activities/learning, education, treatment, recreation, life skills and sleep with a particular focus on cultural health
- Support the emotional health of persons served by listening, supporting effective conflict resolution and maintaining safety
- Promote safety in all activities of the program

**Culture**
- Assist in therapeutic activities including Alateen, smudging, grounding activities, stress reduction, conflict resolution, healthy relationships, group therapy and by maintaining an effective treatment environment
- Engage youth in the planning and execution of regular cultural teachings, Cree language instruction and ceremony participation
- Ensure appropriate material, equipment and staffing are provided based on the event.
- Conduct sweat lodge ceremonies, pipe ceremonies, smudging, medicine wheel teachings, and other Aboriginal spiritual beliefs.
- Provide a monthly schedule with planned events to programs and include a list of materials needed
- Assist youths and staff in developing an appreciation of their identity through knowledge and pride in their heritage.
- Teach youths and staff proper protocols regarding ceremonies and procedures for approaching elders for guidance or knowledge.
- Assure all staff and youths feel welcome to attend cultural events and activities
- Coordinate cultural crafts-making sessions (Examples such as rattles, rattle bags, sweat gowns, medicine pouches, beading, ceremonial skirt making, and preparation of fish and berries for sweat lodge ceremony.
- Assist in coordinating cultural educational field trips
- Creating and maintaining Elder connections for youth

**Risk Management & Safety**
- Ensure Risk Management Plan is being followed to respond to risks within the program effectively.
- Compliance with all safety procedures, including the Emergency Response Plan
- Ensure critical incidents are completed, tracked and reported according to NWTC Policy and Procedure

**Communications**
- Promote positivity and hopefulness with persons served, colleagues, stakeholders and members of the public
- Maintain confidentiality and abide by the Oath of Confidentiality, NWTC Code of Conduct and the Child and Youth Care Association Ethical guidelines.

**Qualifications**
- Knowledge and experience with indigenous culture
- Experience working with indigenous children and youth in care is essential
- Experience in organizing functions, events, and outings is required
- Extensive knowledge of the protocol as well as ex