Urban Indigenous Food Sovereignty Instructor/Chef

JOB POSTING

No: CUPE B

POSTED: November 11, 2025

DEADLINE: 4:30 p.m. November 24, 2025

Urban Indigenous Food Sovereignty Instructor/Chef

Level 9-12

Native Learning Center (Downtown)

Region: East

$51.43 per hour (Plus 3.4% statutory holiday pay and 4% vacation pay)

(C.U.P.E. Local 4400, Unit B)

The Toronto District School Board adheres to equitable hiring, employment and promotion practices. As a position requirement, the successful candidate will have lived experience as a First Nations, Métis, or Inuit person.

Guided and supported by the Elders Council and the Urban Indigenous Education Centre, the Urban Indigenous Food Sovereignty Instructor/Chef will design and implement a wholistic Indigenous model (mind, body, heart and spirit.). Develop new and strengthen existing partnerships within the Indigenous communities.

In recognition of Indigenous food sovereignty and in alignment with Canada's Food Guide for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples; the instructor/chef will plan, implement and prepare Indigenous menus.

The Urban Indigenous Food Sovereignty Instructor/Chef will engage with schools, parents and community members to expand and develop mentorship opportunities which may also include guiding coop students and facilitating post-secondary practicum experiences.

Summary of Duties:

• Design and implement a balanced Urban Indigenous Food Sovereignty Program in collaboration with the Elders Council and the Urban Indigenous Education Centre;
• Plan, implement and prepare Indigenous menus which adheres to Canada's Food Guide for First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples;
• Instruct Indigenous Food Sovereignty classes and facilitate learning in a safe environment;
• Adhere to Student Nutrition Program guidelines and Toronto Public Health requirements;
• Coordinate resources related to instruction for an Urban Indigenous food preparation program
• Develop partnerships with Indigenous food suppliers and community stakeholders;
• Create and coordinate food orders for Indigenous focused schools and the UIEC;
• Collaborate, develop, coordinate and implement a "harvest to table" program which includes traditional teachings;
• Create and maintain an Urban Indigenous garden in collaboration with the UIEC;
• Monitor and provide encouragement to the program participants ensuring participant progress;
• Conduct in-class assessments to determine proficiency;
• Coordinate arrangements for suitable equipment and facilities and ensure necessary supplies and/or materials are available for the program;
• Maintain confidentiality;
• Record and maintain appropriate attendance registers and reports on attendance as required by the Board and account for material fees;
• Create and maintain appropriate financial records;
• Adhere to all Board policies including Anaphylactic and Allergy protocols;
• Ensure that facility and equipment is secure and tidy at the close of each day; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• College or University diploma or completion of program related coursework equivalent to two year post-secondary school education with one year related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Appropriate certification where required to meet professional and/or provincial standards and to ensure participant safety;
• Proven ability to effectively instruct/train youth program participants;
• Ability to develop curriculum material where required;
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with program participants and staff;
• Understanding of the diversity and composition of the Indigenous community within the GTA;
• Understanding of Trauma informed practice and cultural safety within Indigenous context;
• Understanding continuing impact of colonization within Indigenous community;
• Life experience deeply rooted in Indigenous communities and experience working with underserved students, their families and communities;
• Knowledge of Urban First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities;
• Knowledge of Truth Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;
• Experience in Food Service Industry, Food Science or Food Production Sector;
• Experience in an Urban Indigenous Food Service environment; and
• Proficiency in MS Office and curriculum related software.

Special Requirements:

• Current knowledge of Indigenous food systems and cultural protocols
• As a bona fide position requirement, the successful candidate will self-identify as First Nations, Métis or Inuit, and will have a strong understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing and being; working within First Nations, Métis or Inuit communities;
• WHMIS training;
• Food Handlers Certification;
• Some travel may be required
• Ability to work evenings and occasional weekends in order to meet program needs.

Assignment Number:
E-AC-TS-105303

Position Number:

Program Period:
September to June

Schedule:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hours:
35 hours per week (Monday to Friday)

Location:
Native Learning Center (Downtown), 83 Alexander Street (NOT Wheelchair Accessible)

The successful candidate will be based at the Native Learning Center with the understanding that the candidate will be working with students and staff across the system.

Applicants should attach a copy of their current resume. Résumés should indicate qualifications, ability and experience applicable to this position. A separate application and/or resume must be submitted for
each
individual job posting. Applications should be submitted no later than
4:30 p.m. on November 24, 2025
to:

Toronto District School Board

People and Culture – Unit B

Attention: Staffing Officer

Please quote Competition #CUPE B when responding to this Job Posting.
Place this number on the email subject line.

Please Note:

a) Applications should be submitted using the following method:

• E-mail to
  
• Note
  : Keep a copy of your sent email as proof of your submission.

b) We strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance during the application process.

c) Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Applications will not be acknowledged in writing.