Cultural and Language Program Facilitator

Company: Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg

Pursuant to Section 24 of the Ontario Human Rights Code (the Code), this position will give preference to applicants who identify as a member of an Indigenous community (First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples). Candidates from this designated group are invited to self-identify in their cover letter, in a transparent manner, as part of the application process.           

Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg’s mission is to provide services and supports in safe spaces for Indigenous people across the life cycle that are rooted in culture and language.  Our vision is to provide high quality and wholistic supports in a space that fosters Indigenous identity formation and a sense of belonging across the life cycle.   

Under the direction of the Early Years Manager, the Individual is a member of the early years team.  They will support the implementation of Indigenous ways of knowing and being through collaboration and programming that aligns with Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg’s Cultural Curriculum and strategic goals. 

Responsibilities 

• Plan, develop, lead and facilitate culture and language activities for early years program and partner agencies as requested by Manager. 

• Provide mentorship opportunities, develop resources, and support culture and language development to early learning programs. 

• Collaborate and support the implementation of cultural and language programming in all early years programs as well as organization wide. 

• Ensure that cultural and language teachings and knowledge transfer are happening throughout the day; routinely encourage and work with the educators to continue using the knowledge gained. 

• Partner with the culture and language lead and educators in the classroom environment; provide program planning based on the organization’s mandate and goals. 

• Work together with the leadership team to identify professional development needs and opportunities for educators that reflect our Program Statement and support outdoor learning and cultural knowledge. 

• Observe to ensure best practices and Indigenous ways of learning are being implemented in all programs with children. 

• Ensure the classroom and supervisors’ program plans are developed jointly and that they include cultural and language components.  

• Assist classrooms in planning monthly activities aligned with our cultural knowledge; assist educators with Indigenous pedagogy implementation. 

• Connect with and request guidance from traditional knowledge keepers and community Elders to gain and increase traditional knowledge. 

• Promote land-based learning through all areas of Niwasa. 

• Develop and advance cultural and language resources to be implemented in Niwasa Early Years programs. 

• Support overall classroom flow and function as directed/needed. 

• Assist program staff and supervisory team with the integration of Indigenous knowledge and materials for all participants. 

• Provide cultural program that considers interest, age and ability of participants. 

• Strengthen mentoring relationships with colleagues, Supervisors and Early Childhood Educators. Observe, offer cultural support, and provide feedback to the educator teams. 

• Inform supervisor of any necessary upkeep and replacement of equipment and supplies.  

• Follow all policies and procedures of Niwasa Kendaaswin Teg and all other related legislation.  

• Participate in monthly staff meetings and ensure completion and submission of all monthly reports as required. 

• Submits timesheets bi-weekly to direct supervisor using the approved platform. 

• May be required to work various shifts, evening and weekend hours year-round; flexibility required. 

• Other duties as required or assigned by the Senior Leadership Team, Early Years Manager, or delegate.  

Specific Job Competencies 

• Post-secondary education combined with related training and experience in a community setting working with Indigenous children, youth and families is desired. 

• Ability to cultivate and nurture essential partnerships and maintain strong working relationships. 

• Approaches challenges with strategic and imaginative thinking. 

• Deeply committed to supporting children’s learning in ways that honour and uplift Indigenous knowledge and teachings. 

• A strong awareness of the issues faced by the urban Indigenous community. 

• Holds a deep understanding of the impacts of historical and intergenerational trauma on Indigenous communities.   

• Possesses knowledge of Indigenous culture and where possible, Indigenous language. Willingness to learn more about language and advance cultural knowledge. 

• Must maintain a high level of self-awareness and wellness and participate in regular self-care. 

• High level of integrity, confidentially and accountability. 

• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills. 

• Fosters a positive, respectful and emotionally healthy work environment. 

• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution, and people management skills.  

• Engages in thoughtful, clear communication – both verbally and in writing. 

• Able to use a wide range of administrative software including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).