Indigenous Wellness Coordinator

Walk alongside Indigenous patients, and families to support healing, dignity, and wellness within the hospital. The Indigenous Wellness Coordinator (IWC) role is grounded in Indigenous strengths, and Ways of Knowing. The IWC supports Indigenous patients and families by honouring these strengths while they receive care in the hospital setting. The IWC understands the impacts of colonialism and recognizes hospitals can feel unsafe for some Indigenous people. Through presence, listening, and relationship building, the IWC builds safety, trust, and belonging for Indigenous patients and families. IWCs spend meaningful time with patients and families, listening to their stories, supporting cultural, spiritual, and emotional needs, and helping them navigate the healthcare system. Working collaboratively with healthcare teams, the IWC supports culturally safe care. Through advocacy, connection, and shared understanding, the IWC is a bridge between Indigenous patients, families, and Western healthcare, supporting holistic care and improved experiences and outcomes. Formal education or healthcare experience are not required to apply. Skills and strengths from lived experience are deeply valued. Please apply if you: Are a good listener and community helper. Bring cultural knowledge, and a desire to support others. Feel called to walk alongside Indigenous people in healthcare spaces Training and support will be provided. This position is only open to Indigenous applicants. This is a bona fide occupational requirement under Section 11 of the Alberta Human Rights Act. Indigenous candidates are encouraged to self identify. Alberta Health Services provides hospital and acute care across Alberta and sometimes to people from other provinces and territories. AHS is committed to providing high quality care.

The Indigenous Wellness Coordinator supports culturally safe, respectful, and patient centered care for Indigenous patients and families within hospital settings. Grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing, the role builds trust, advocates for patient needs, and strengthens communication between patients, families, and healthcare teams. Key responsibilities include supporting healthcare navigation, facilitating access to cultural practices and end of life care, acting as a liaison between patients and care teams, and providing just in time cultural guidance to staff. By addressing systemic barriers and promoting cultural safety, the Indigenous Wellness Coordinator enhances patient experience and contributes to improved health outcomes. If you are Indigenous and feel drawn to supporting your community in healthcare spaces, you belong here. You do not need formal education, or clinical experience to apply. Knowledge gained through lived experience, caregiving, community involvement, cultural practice, storytelling, advocacy, or simply walking alongside others through hard moments is deeply valued in this role. If you are a listener, a helper, or someone others naturally turn to for support, your gifts matter. Training and mentorship will be provided.

The successful candidate must have Indigenous heritage, be a good listener and a relationship builder. The successful candidate brings cultural knowledge, and a desire to support others. And the successful candidate feels called to walk alongside Indigenous people in healthcare spaces.

There is no minimum education requirement for this position.

Familiarity with local Indigenous communities, cultures, and resources. Knowledge of an Indigenous language is an asset. Understanding of trauma informed practice and the impact of trauma on oneself and others. Experience with conflict resolution and de-escalation. Experience working in healthcare, community, or social service settings. Certificate or diploma in a health or social services-related field is an asset.