About Atlohsa
Atlohsa Family Healing Services is an Indigenous led non-profit organization in Southwestern Ontario dedicated to empowering Indigenous communities through traditional and land-based healing practices. Since 1986, we have provided low-barrier, wraparound services to individuals and families facing complex challenges such as mental wellness, substance use, homelessness, and domestic violence. Our holistic wellness approach is rooted in the Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings and the Medicine Wheel Teachings, utilizing a Two-Eyed Seeing approach that emphasizes collaboration, mutual respect, and the recognition that both Indigenous and Western knowledge systems contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the world.
About the Program
“Giwetashkad” is an Anishnaabemowin (Ojibwe language) word and concept that can roughly be translated to “circle” or as an action of moving in a circular fashion or as “coming back around”. As the root word “giiwe” means “home,” and is also the root of the word “giiwedinong” or the Northern direction – where the spirits go home – “Giwetashkad” is a term that evokes movement through the cycles of life, rebirth, and renewal.
Initiated in 2017, the Giwetashkad division represents a comprehensive Indigenous homelessness strategy to address the alarming rates of homelessness among Indigenous peoples in London. This initiative is rooted in local knowledge and history, promoting themes of home, rebirth, and renewal. Over the years, Giwetashkad has transformed into a suite of Indigenous-led programs and services that utilize cultural knowledge to combat the ongoing impacts of colonization and support truth and reconciliation efforts. Ultimately, Giwetashkad serves as a foundational model for the ongoing efforts to "bring people home" and alleviate Indigenous homelessness by reconnecting individuals to their cultural and spiritual identities
Role and Responsibility
Using a wholistic Indigenous-led approach to principles of Harm Reduction and trauma-informed care, the Cultural Coordinator is responsible for working with Giwetashkad program staff (including Wiigiwaaminaan hub, Housing Support Program and Outreach, supportive housing, and Giiwiitaabiwag community education) to provide mentorship towards implementing Indigenous land-based cultural interventions in their programs. In alignment with the Strategic Directions of the Giwetaskhad Plan, the Cultural Coordinator supports housing and homelessness program service delivery that centers Indigenous peoples’ healing from the effects of intergenerational trauma. The Cultural Coordinator works as part of the Giwetashkad leadership team to provide community education and advocacy. The Cultural Coordinator must have excellent communication and collaboration skills and a grounded Indigenous identity and/or strong connection to an Indigenous community. The Cultural Coordinator will work closely with the Giwetashkad team on supportive services for community members, including case management with other staff to best support relatives accessing Atlohsa Family Healing Services.
Suitability
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the languages, traditional ways, history and cultures of the Indigenous population in the London region
- Strong analysis of colonialism and the ways in which historical and ongoing colonization impacts Indigenous peoples intergenerationally
- Educational, work or community experience delivering land-based programming to Indigenous people
- Experience working with Indigenous women and children who have been exposed to violence/abuse and with Indigenous people experiencing homelessness
- Leadership experience and demonstrated ability to provide training support and supervision
- Demonstrated strengths in interpersonal relations, problem-solving, crisis intervention, group dynamics, community development and other innovative approaches
- Understanding of cultural safety and an awareness of its impact on practice
- Ability to work in outdoor locations and do minor physical labour such as gathering poles and building lodge
- Skills in conflict resolution, mediation, and negotiation (to build trust and resolve disagreements)
- Excellent organizational and coordination skills and the ability to prioritize multiple competing workload demands
- Effective communication (both written and verbal) and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with others in a respectful manner as defined in the Atlohsa Code of Conduct
- Valid Ontario Driver’s License, First Aid and CPR certificate and Current Vulnerable Sector Check
While applicants are under no obligation to do so, Atlohsa welcomes applicants to indicate their own lived experiences of homelessness, substance use, and/or Indigenous community teachings within their application. Professional experiences, academic experiences, traditional teachings, and personal lived experiences are all valuable forms of knowledge.
Why Work for Atlohsa?
We offer competitive pay and benefits:
- $32.00 per hour
- 100% employer provided benefits
- Employer-Employee contributory Pension plan
We are committed to ensuring YOUR work-life balance and offer extensive paid time off:
- Three (3) weeks vacation, accessible in your first year of employment.
- Up to 12 paid sick days per year.
- Up to 12 paid self-development days per year
- We recognize 14 statutory holidays every year.
We have a strong commitment to our cultural teachings and traditional knowledge practices, which encompass not just our programs but our daily interactions in the workplace, including:
- Regular opportunities for staff to engage in ceremonies and cultural gatherings.
- Access for staff to connect with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to foster active participation in cultural traditions.
We strive to inspire, empower, and instill a profound sense of pride and belonging within the community while promoting Mino Bimaadiziwin, The Good Way of Life.
How to Apply
If interested to apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with Cultural Coordinator in your subject line.
Within the body of your email, please provide answers to the following questions:
- Please briefly outline where your experience with or understanding of First Nations, Inuit, and/or Métis communities comes from. You may note professional, academic, or your own personal lived/community experience.
- Are you a First Nations, Inuk, or Métis applicant? If yes, please indicate which community you are from. If you are not connected to your community, just write what you know.
At Atlohsa, we value diversity in our workforce and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, however, due to the nature of our organization, preferences will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources to make arrangements.
Our organization does not use artificial intelligence (AI), automated screening tools, or algorithm-based systems to screen, assess, or rank job applicants. All applications are reviewed by human members of our hiring team.
We thank all those who apply however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $32.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: In person
