Wiidookaa Gagewi Cultural Coordinator

ABOUT US

Siloam Mission is a Christian-based non-profit service organization for Manitobans who have experienced homelessness and who struggle with mental health issues physical and cognitive disabilities addictions or trauma. Founded in 1987 the mission provides emergency shelter meals and clothing supportive housing and a variety of healing support and recovery services to help people transform their own lives and reach their full potential.

What matters to you

Being in a work culture that operates out of their core values of HEART (holistic equity altruism relationships and truth and reconciliation) - embracing diversity promoting equality and inclusion.

JOB SUMMARY

Siloam Mission recognizes that racism and colonialism past and present are contributors to disproportionate experiences of poverty and houselessness 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.

As part of the Community Wellness (CW) team the Wiidookaa Gagewi Cultural Coordinator is responsible for programs supports and interactions with community members that are focused on wellness and spiritual care. Along with the other Wiidookaa Gagewi Coordinators the incumbent will provide trauma-informed person-centered and supportive programming and care for the community members served at Siloam Mission.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Programming and Connections

• Facilitate and/or support currently running CW programs (Reflections Na a way Ishkode Multi-purpose space etc.)
• Prepare and host community members at programs including snacks cleaning and preparing materials needed to facilitate programs
• Ongoing research for program materials (books videos activities)
• In collaboration with the CW Department team assess evaluate adapt and develop programs to meet community needs across Siloam
• With the CW team foster relationships with Knowledge Keepers and Indigenous organizations and create/maintain a resource guide for ongoing Indigenous programming in the community
• Support community members in accessing external relevant programs and supports in the community; develop referral processes as necessary

Administration

• Assist CW in maintaining and growing the Indigenous Resource Library
• Maintain cleanliness traditional medicines and supplies in Na a way Ishkode (Centre Fire) for use in CW programs and throughout Siloam
• In collaboration with CW department provide insight and support to development of protocols and best practices for staff engagement with Indigenous practices/ceremony within Siloam and staff attending external ceremony/events with Indigenous partners
• Accurately track and report on program attendance and engagement; assist with report preparation
• Provide administrative support for internal and sector committees as needed

Event Coordination

• Assist the CW team in planning celebrations/feasts/events and organizing workshops for staff and community members
• Ensure all Siloam Missions CW events are communicated effectively both internally and externally in order to maximize their return
• Build and nurture positive relationships with current and potential organizational partners for the purposes of joint initiatives voluntarism fund development representing Siloam well and demonstrating our commitments to Truth and Reconciliation
• Assist with tours for businesses and individuals that come to volunteer and highlight the work of Siloam Missions Truth and Reconciliation strategy

Communications

• Assist with CW communications by helping develop key messages on Indigenous practices CW activities and events and by assisting in writing media releases and other materials
• Assist with designing print publications including brochures newsletters and recovery-focused and/or event promotional materials
• Ensure consistent messaging for all communications
• Collaborate or liaise with relevant internal staff regarding wellness related programs support advocacy etc.

Other duties related to the role as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with Elders and Knowledge Keepers
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of Indigenous culture spiritual care traditions and history
• Indigenous identity is an asset in this role; applicants may choose to self-identify in their cover letter or application
• Lived experience of homelessness addictions recovery or other related experiences is considered an asset
• Demonstrated experience in special event planning
• Hands-on experience in program delivery
• Project management skills an asset
• A valid 5F drivers license acceptable driver abstract and reliable vehicle required
• Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check and Clear Adult Abuse Registry Check required

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/BEHAVIORS

• Knowledge of the intergenerational impacts of residential schools
• Understanding of trauma-informed person-centered approaches including intergenerational healing practices
• Awareness of the barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills and time management
• Strong organizational skills including time management scheduling record-keeping and reporting
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills with individuals form diverse backgrounds including community members internal and external partners and the Indigenous community
• Ability to adapt programs and initiatives based on feedback and evolving community needs
• Team-oriented and collaborative positive approach with the ability to work independently
• Ability to exercise good judgement show initiative act proactively and solve problems effectively
• Technical proficiency in MS Office email social media with demonstrated ability to learn new technologies

WORKING CONDITION

• Hours of work: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm with occasional evenings and weekends
• Office environment: regular presence in Siloam Drop-In program spaces adjacent to Drop In and other Siloam sites
• Frequent travel to off-site events partner organizations community spaces
• Hazardous conditions could potentially include unpredictable or risky behaviours from community members

WORKPLACE HEALTH & 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 facilitys 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.